Ezra Brooks Sour Mash Bourbon Whiskey Review

Distilled & Aged in Bardstown, Kentucky, USA…

For the budding bourbon fan this is a great entry level American whiskey. If you are talking bang for buck this punches above it’s weight. Ezra Brooks Bourbon is an entry level whiskey, sip it and enjoy every day as it is just that, your every day straight sipper. But don’t expect a overtly sweet entry level bourbon, this is a Kentucky Sour Mash bottled at 90% proof, it isn’t just smooth and friendly. Instead it challenges the senses with a dark aroma of charcoal, aniseed and dark fruits.

Ezra Brooks is bottled a 45% abv and aged the old-fashioned way for an exceptionally smooth flavor and finish. Distilled using only the finest ingredients and charcoal filtered for a smooth, mellow flavor, this genuine sour mash delivers a beautifully balanced and pleasingly soft Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

It starts with genuine Kentucky sour mash. Then it’s aged the old-fashioned way, charcoal filtered, and bottled at an honest 90 proof. That’s straight-up authentic bourbon.

Ezra Brook’s

Lux Row Distillers

Born and bred in Kentucky, Ezra Brooks has been filling glasses with genuine American bourbon since 1957. In 2018, it found a new home in Bardstown, aka the Bourbon Capital of the World. Known as Lux Row Distillers, so named because of the distinct row of trees on the historic property, the distillery boasts more than 18,000 square feet, six barrel warehouses at capacity, and a 43-foot custom copper still for Ezra Brooks and its bourbons-in-crime Rebel Bourbon, David Nicholson, and Blood Oath. Come see Lux Row Distillers for yourself and discover why Ezra Brooks is as authentic as they come.

What is a Sour Mash Whiskey

A “Mash” is a mixture of water, grain, and distillers yeast that is fermented to produce alcohol. A “Sour Mash” is a common phrase on American whiskey and Bourbon bottles. Most if not all major bourbon and Tennessee whiskey distillers use a sour mash technique. Some brands such as Ezra Brooks choose to market their whiskeys as “Sour Mash” releases. Distillers use spent mash, also called Backset or Stillage to control the pH levels and consistency in subsequent mash bills. Backset is an acidic, nutrient-rich substance that’s left behind in the still after a distillation run is complete. The “Sour Mash” isn’t in fact sour, but is a term used to describe this production process that is used to regulate bacterial growth. It helps keep a consistent and recognizable flavor in the whiskey that is produced.

Ezra Brooks Sour Mash Bourbon Whiskey Information:

Region: Kentucky, America
Distiller: Heaven Hill
Bonder: Lux Row Distillers
Mashbill: 78% Corn, 12% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: Virgin Charred Oak Casks
Age: NAS (4 years approx)
ABV: 45% – 90% Proof
Filtered: Charcoal Filtered

Ezra Brooks Sour Mash Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes:

It beats its rivals Jim Beam White and Black Label hands down with no contest. The nose is rich with spice, oak, vanilla. and caramel. Entry is smooth with deep oak, vanilla, spice, and caramel ending with honey, oak, and vanilla, It is the benchmark whiskey of bourbon straight whiskey under 100 proof

NOSE

Big Wood!!! It’s very oaky, with hints of dark fruit, caramel, vanilla, spice and some light herbal notes smothered in deep char.

PALATE

The oak and charcoal open on the plalate first. There is a bit of oaky sweetness too with notes of dark fruit, spice and caramel with some touches of leather and vanilla pods. There is a nuttiness on the palate that must come from the balance of corn and rye grains.

FINISH

The finish is of medium length, it is woody, grainy caramel and dry with a baking spice mouthfeel. The tannin’s from the virgin oak give a light mouth feel that drys out into an aniseed like sensation on the tip of your tongue.

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#EatDrinkExplore – By Paul Kavanagh