Ezra Brooks 90 Proof Straight Rye

0-1.5: Disgusting. Worth only mixing or meeting the drain. 2: Bad. Wouldn’t feel bad mixing 2.5: Sub-par. OK, but bland or somewhat flawed. 3: Good. Decent stuff, but not a top re-buy 3.5: Very good. I’d love to keep a bottle around 4: Excellent. A go to for me that is worthy of celebrating - will never get old 4.5: Incredible 5:Perfect and an all time favorite""

Good flavor, weak finish-a little too smooth.

Nose: Rye bread, dill, black licorice, clove, and if you close your eyes and try really hard you can pick up the faintest hint of vanilla. Neat: salty and savory, light oak astringency, a jolt of black pepper spice, and if you close your eyes and try really hard you can pick up the faintest hint of vanilla. Finishes slightly astringent with a clingy coating of the black pepper spice. Despite the clingy finish, overall the mouthfeel is relatively thin. Splash: adds a touch of sweetness and calms the mid palate jolt of spice. Verdict? This one needs more time in the barrel to impart some sweetness. While not the biggest fan of MGP's 95/5 ryes, I do enjoy several of them (Bulleit, Dickel and James Pepper). This one is only saved from a 2 star rating by its sub-$20 price tag. I do feel that this one will more than suffice as a mixer. If I want a 95/5 that I can drink neat, I'll chip in the extra $5-$10 and get the Dickel, Pepper or Bulleit...or simply opt for a bottle of Rittenhouse.