Ezra Brooks Bourbon's journey began in 1957, conceived as a genuine, charcoal-filtered Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Its creation was inspired by the desire to offer a high-quality alternative in a market flooded with less authentic options. Over the decades, Ezra Brooks has experienced shifts in ownership and production, including a significant relocation to Luxco’s Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, a heartland of American bourbon production. Lux Row Distillers is a part of MGP in Indiana (which under contract make most of the big brand rye products) and Limestone Branch, and within all that is around a dozen bourbon brands, including Yellowstone, Ezra Brooks and Rebel. The Lux Row Distillery is a relatively new operation in the context of the older Kentucky set, but many of its brands go back decades.
The distillery prides itself on a hands-on approach, from careful selection of grains to the art of barrel aging in new, charred American oak barrels. This dedication ensures a consistent, high-quality bourbon. The production process is notable for its use of a traditional sour mash recipe, charcoal filtration for smoothness, and a commitment to aging that exceeds industry standards, all contributing to the distinctive character and depth of Ezra Brooks.
The foundation of Ezra Brooks Bourbon is a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley, sourced to meet rigorous standards. The high corn content imparts a sweet, robust flavour, while the rye adds a hint of spice. Malted barley rounds out the mash bill, ensuring a smooth fermentation process. Water, drawn from natural sources, is integral to the production, lending the bourbon its purity and flavour.
The most unique aspect of the the whiskey's production process is charcoal mellowing. Unlike the Lincoln County process that is used to make Jack Daniel's, where the whiskey is filtered through charcoal before maturation, Ezra Brooks is filtered after maturation and just before bottling. This softens the spirit slightly, and helps maintain clarity in the bottle.
Ezra Brooks Bourbon's portfolio showcases a variety of expressions, each tailored to different preferences and occasions. The flagship Ezra Brooks Black Label remains a staple for its smooth, versatile profile, perfect for sipping neat or in cocktails. For those seeking a more refined experience, Ezra Brooks offers aged statements and limited releases that explore the depth and complexity of the bourbon's character.
In March 2024, we are featuring Ezra Brooks 99: a higher strength expression bottled at 99 proof, or 49.5% ABV. This amplifies the rye spice of the whiskey and counteracts some of the sweetness of the corn in the mash bill.
