DSR – KY – 020: Old Ezra 7 Year Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company/Distillery: Bottled by Lux Row Distillers (Distiller Unknown)
Location: Bardstown, Kentucky
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, and 10% Rye
Age Statement: Aged 7 Years
Proof/ABV: 117 Proof/58.5% ABV
Color & Viscosity: Old Ezra 7 Barrel Strength bourbon presents a rich auburn hue when viewed through the bottle, transforming into a lighter tawny shade once poured into a glass. As I swirl the bourbon gently in the glass, a medium-bodied viscous line forms, gradually thickening into a prominent lip. Thick, oily legs develop from this viscous line, leisurely cascading down the sides of the glass.
Purchase Price: $39.95 for 750ml Bottle at NC ABC
Bottle Label Information:
Front Label
OLD EZRA KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
AGED 7 YEARS
CHARCOAL MELLOWED
DISTILLED AND AGED IN KENTUCKY FOR LUX ROW DISTILLERS BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY
BARREL STRENGTH
Back Label
OLD EZRA
ezrabrooks.com: Review: Old Ezra 7 Year Barrel Strength Bourbon WhiskeyDistillery Background
Lux Row Distillers
Lux Row Distillers was founded in 1958 as the David Sherman Corporation. The company, based in St. Louis, Missouri, underwent a name change in 2006 and was named Lux Row Distillers after its chairman and CEO, Donn Lux. In 2016, Lux Row Distillers officially broke ground on its 18,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. This 70-acre site houses the distillery, ten barrel houses, a 43-foot copper still, a visitor center and more. The distillery has the capacity to produce 3 million gallons of spirits every year.
Lux Row Distillers currently produces the brands Rebel Bourbon, Ezra Brooks, Lux Row Distillers, Daviess County Bourbon, Blood Oath, David Nicholson.
Tasting Notes
Tasting Date/Vessel: June 9, 2023 – Neat in a Glencairn glass; then with a splash of distilled water.
Nose
Christian: In the bottle, Old Ezra 7 Year Barrel Strength Bourbon emits notes of freshly cut tobacco and sweet brown sugar. In my Glencarin glass, this bourbon emits aromas of yeast, light honey, and fresh bread. A gentle swirl allows the bourbon to open up, introducing hints of sugar cookie, light brown sugar, and vanilla. In addition, there is just a kiss of a floral component present. Nothing shocking here, very traditional in its make-up. Wow, adding a splash of distilled water really sweetens up this bourbon. Rich caramel and sweet corn really give this a chewy caramel candied nose.
Mike: The nose of this bourbon starts with sweet oak aromas straight from the bottle, followed by hints of light tobacco and subtle notes of pink bubble gum. When poured into a glass, it reveals additional layers of fragrance: initial hints of pear in a light syrup that transition into emerging hints of soft maple syrup. There are also faint suggestions of banana in caramel sauce or a bananas foster dessert, adding to the complexity of this bourbon.
Mouth
Christian: On the palate, Old Ezra 7 Year has a nice creamy viscosity that leaves the tongue feeling a thin oily layer after each sip. It is interesting that the taste profile is largely different from the nose. A decent amount of spiciness is present here – presumably from the rye. Accompanying the spice are notes of vanilla, clove, oak barrel char, and grain. A second sip really allows some earthy qualities to pull through, mainly some fresh hay and corn. The addition of distilled water makes Old Ezra 7 have a velvety smooth mouth feel. A sweet palate greets the drinker with notes of creme brulee – caramelized sugars and rich vanilla custard. A decent amount of oak barrel char remains in this.
Mike: Old Ezra 7 offers a robust profile with pronounced notes of cinnamon and cereal, evoking memories of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. The cinnamon presence is dominant, reminiscent of Big Red chewing gum as it develops into a spicy finish on the back palate. A subsequent sip reveals deeper flavors of maple syrup with softer undertones of cinnamon and buttered toast, adding a comforting richness to the experience.
Finish
Christian: This bourbon whiskey definitely packs a punch. The finish is medium to long and carries a nice Kentucky hug deep down into the chest. A little bit of bitterness shows up in the finish. Notes of oak barrel, boiled peanuts, and creamy vanilla, join a punch of cinnamon. There is a very shy dose of citrus here also. The distilled water really gives this pour an interesting finish. The Kentucky hug doesn’t move down into the chest as much and sits right in the throat while lingering. Again, the earthy notes of boiled peanuts and hay intensify in the finish with a noticeable dryness.
Mike: The finish of Old Ezra 7 delivers a bold punch of spice that resonates strongly. The spiciness persists, settling deeply in the lower throat and extending consistently into the mid-chest region, creating a lasting warmth and intensity that lingers pleasantly after each sip.
Our Rating
Final Thoughts
Christian: When I think about our experience sippin’ on Old Ezra 7 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, I think tradition. What you get here is a solid 7 year old bourbon at a decent price point. Customary flavors of oak, vanilla, caramels, and brown sugar are all present. If you want a higher proof for versatility, meaning neat, on the rocks, or in an old fashioned you will not be let down. A daily drinker? I don’t know. It’s definitely not going to blow you away, but this is solid bourbon with a nice nose, good flavor, and a finish that can stand up to however you want to sip it.
Rating: 3.25 Rickhouses
Mike: Old Ezra 7 Barrel Strength bourbon presents a complex and robust drinking experience. From its rich auburn appearance to the pronounced notes of cinnamon and cereal on the palate, each sip unfolds with layers of flavor. The nose offers a delightful mix of sweet oak, tobacco, and subtle fruity hints, evolving into deeper tones of maple syrup and caramelized banana with subsequent sips. The finish is memorable, with a bold spice that lingers pleasantly, warming the throat and chest. Overall, Old Ezra 7 Barrel Strength is a whiskey that truly captivates me with its depth and intensity, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate spicy and full-bodied bourbons.
Gallery
PHOTOS PROPERTY OF RICKHOUSE RAMBLINGS LLC
