Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Straight Rye 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
This whiskey is 51% rye, 45% corn, 4% malt, and 100% genuine. Bottled at an honest 99 proof, it’s a real straight shooter.
“Based on the success of Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, we have elevated the proof for both the Ezra Brooks Rye and Bourbon Cream variants,” said Eric Winter, brand manager for Ezra Brooks. “Ezra Brooks 99 Rye drinkers will find the same great rye-whiskey taste, but with enhanced flavor delivered by the higher proof. Similarly, our new Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream delivers a bolder, richer expression of the bourbon-cream flavor our customers love.”
TASTING NOTES: Hints of chocolate, leather, vanilla, and spicy grains, balanced by slightly sweet and oaky tones.
What Gary Says
Nose: Lemongrass, fennel, dried mint, leather, vanilla and a hint of oak.
Palate: Caramel, nutmeg, toffee, citrus spice with a bit of chocolate.
Finish: Moderate in length, thick with trailing caramel and oak spices.
Comments: For a 2 year old rye (minimum, bottle states aged for a minimum of 24 months), this is pretty decent. It’s priced reasonably for today’s market, where most other ryes are coming in at lower proof. For fans of rye, this isn’t going to knock your socks off like the Old Ezra 7 Year Rye – but it’s a third (or less) the price. Nothing objectionable for me as a sipper, and a perfectly serviceable cocktail rye. A bit of water thickens the palate a bit and brings the citrus out from the shadows.