Ezra Brooks 99
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
49.5% ABV
$25
Website
We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
Luxco announces the latest addition to its award-winning Ezra Brooks family of products: Ezra Brooks 99, a pure, oak-barrel-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey elevated to 99 proof. Charcoal filtered for a smooth, mellow finish, the new Ezra Brooks 99 features the same spicy, ryed-bourbon-mash-bill taste, but with an enhanced flavor profile delivered by the higher proof.
“With Ezra Brooks 99 our goal was to create a higher-proof bourbon without sacrificing the rich notes Ezra Brooks is known for,” said John Rempe, master distiller at Lux Row Distillers. “And we achieved that with 99. The result is a smooth, drinkable bourbon with hints of caramel, vanilla, chocolate and spice. We’re thrilled to introduce Ezra Brooks 99 to bourbon lovers everywhere.”
Ezra Brooks 99 features the distinctive packaging and natural cork closure for which Ezra Brooks is known, along with a prominent “99” proof callout on the label and deep “LUX ROW DISTILLERS” embossing on the bottle’s shoulder.
“When you see Ezra Brooks 99, you’ll see an elegant, upscale bottle that stands out on the shelf,” said Eric Winter, brand manager for Ezra Brooks. “We believe the refined style and honest flavor of Ezra Brooks is amplified in Ezra Brooks 99, giving consumers of the brand even more to connect to.”
TASTING NOTES
Smooth and drinkable with hints of caramel, vanilla, chocolate, and spice.
What Gary Says
Nose: Vanilla, salted caramel, toasted oak spice with cinnamon and clove, a subtle chocolate note (water brings out a bit of mint).
Palate: Caramel corn, cinnamon, black pepper, bit of chocolate and vanilla.
Finish: Short to moderate in length, drying with a sour oak note and cocoa.
Comments: A bit of water really smooths this out (NOT that I’m suggesting it should be a lower proof, always appreciate seeing higher proof options on the shelf!). A solid high-rye bourbon with plenty of spice. I wanted to see how it held up against another well-respected, non-age stated high-rye bourbon, so pulled some Wild Turkey 101 for the task. I’d guess this is probably younger as there is more corn sweetness, and this is a bit lighter in color – but it has a nice balance between the sweet and spice notes – which lends itself nicely to an Old Fashioned.