Ezra B Single Barrel Bourbon Review & Tasting Notes

 

This is Ezra B Single Barrel. It is aged 12 years and bottled at 99°. This particular bottle is from Barrel 603 and was dumped on June 2015.

While the label suggests this is bottled by the Ezra Brooks Distilling Company out of St. Louis, this label is owned by Luxco, who, incidentally, is building a brand new distillery in Kentucky.

The nose presents sweet hardwood and vanilla, and even a hint of citrus. The appearance is a golden orange. Swirling in my Glencairn glass shows me thin legs that do hold.

When I bring the glass to my lips, the barrel's char comes to the forefront. The mash is a high Rye content, which is my preferred mash profile, and offers a certain spiciness. There is a smidge of an oiliness to it as well. I wish I could say this had a complex flavor, but it doesn't, and my bottle has been oxidizing about nine months.

The finish sits on my tongue long after the swallow, and it is the wood and spice that hangs on, with that oily texture on the top of my tongue.

There are some who suggest this is Elijah Craig 12 in a single barrel release. I find that very difficult to believe. I have various incarnations of Elijah Craig 12, with a couple Barrel Proof releases as well as the small batch. Yes, Luxco sources this. Yes, every single barrel has its own uniqueness. But, a profile should be similar and this isn't.

I find this an interesting pour, but not one I would run out to buy again. For the $36 investment, I can do better.