Old Ezra 7 Year Full Proof Straight Rye

Have had this stored for a year, time to cork it. Tasting this full proof 7 year Ezra neat. Rich copper color and coating legs in the glass. Nose is vanilla, dark toast, dry grain cereal, musty grass hay, lightly sweet. Big flash of ethanol and black pepper and oak; then sweet vanilla; then spicy grass, baking spices, and rye. Dry and bold and almost overwhelming in the spice level. But it gives way pretty quickly into a mint and dry grass finish that lingers and is quite nice. Not sweet, no sour aftertaste, just spicy residuals and tingling. Big and bold rye, holding sweetness in check. Actually, drinks better with an ice cube to tone down the ethanol and spice. This is going to mix really well in a rye-forward cocktail like a Manhattan because the high (114) proof and spiciness will hold up to sweet vermouth. That said, at $80, it becomes an expensive mixer. Will revist this as I give it time and try it in a cocktail or two.

Nose has notes of caramel and herbs. Palate hits with hot pepper which lingers. Along the way, sweet salted caramel, anise, and coffee candies make an appearance. Finish is a little bitter. Ice killed the nose, but eased the rough edges on the palate nicely, bringing cinnamon foward as well. This bottle brings together the notes from MGP's 95% and 51% ryes making it quite interesting. I'm not sure the sum is better than the parts, however.