Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
Proof: 99
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 78% corn, 10% rye, & 12% malted barley
BACKGROUND: Ezra Brooks 99, 2021 release, is the inaugural release of the newest of the distilleries ongoing Ezra Brooks lineup. Before this Ezra Brooks featured bourbons that were 100 proof or more. The line started with Ezra Brooks 7 year which was 107 proof & bottled at barrel proof.
NOSE: One of the lightest bourbons out there! At first, earthy scents come to play with caramel, charred oak, and vanilla. The smell could come off a little stronger when opening this bottle when instead it gives a lighter scent. (21/25)
PALATE: On first sip, flavors pop with vanilla, caramel, and a slight brown sugar. Followed by tastes of white peppercorn and peanuts, then met with light hints of oak. (30/40)
FINISH: As the vanilla and caramel fades, flavors of fried oak, peanuts and rye come to play leaving traces of spice and heat that fade into a delightful oak spice. (22/25)
VALUE: For $30, this is an absolute must buy, loaded with bold flavors and the underlying spice expected with any high proof bourbon. (7/10)
Overall: 80/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: For $30 you really can't beat Ezra 99. Yes there are better drams on the market but when it comes to dollar for dollar, Ezra 99 is a tough one to beat.
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Old Weller Antique 107
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Ole Grandad 114
Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Bulleit Whiskey
Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away