Well I thought I'd run a few thoughts on what is turning out to be my favorite distiller of the year - Lux Row Distillers. These folks seem to have this bourbon game down pretty darned well. Without getting into their entire backstory, I've found myself thoroughly enjoying their products and really look forward to grabbing up a few more of their bottles..
As a sucker for cool looking presentations, here Lux Row really does a fantastic job at label design and graphics. While Ultimately it is really about what's inside the bottle, we all know that having something look good is very important too. I've seen all too many times a bottle that while may be excellent, their labeling looks to be designed by a 1st grader and as a result, I just may skip over that one. These folks, do it right.
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.
As it sets right now, I have tried these two bourbons and I have to say, I've been quite pleased. The 7 year stands out as a better, more refined tasting bourbon that really does push it home with the extra proof. Nice deliveries of oak, cherry and spice and closing out with a satisfying warm & long finish. Such a good bourbon that can be found on shelves in my area pretty easy.
The Ezra Brooks Distiller’s Select is a limited run that I thought I'd try out on a bit of whim and honestly I had no idea that I'd like it this much. For one, it's 35 bucks and over 100 proof. This is already good news. This is quite the flavorful drink and at this cost, it's certainly a deal. In comparison to the Old Ezra 7 year it is definitely related and shares many of the same characteristics but I would have to say that I find this slightly more sweet and with a finish that while still very good, is a bit shorter. This is much like Pikesville being the big brother to Rittenhouse type situation. Overall at this price and the very surprising taste, I'm easily more impressed with this than the 7 year. It's just a sad thing that this is a limited run because this is a perfect 'drink anytime' whiskey. Hopefully I score on a couple more bottles before they are completely gone.
Ezra Brooks Distiller’s Select
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
107 Proof
Age: 5 years
Old Ezra 7 Year Barrell Strength
Mash Bill: At least 51% Corn + Rye + Malted Barley
117 Proof
Age: 7 Years
Lux Row Distillers I feel really has a good thing going on and I'll definitely be trying out all their other products, if possible. Here's a handful of their other offerings that I hope to get my hands on soon. Cheers people!
Rebel Distiller's Collection
Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finish
Lux Row Distillers 12 Year Double Barrel
Blood Oath