Old Ezra 7 Year Barrel Strength Bourbon

Post MGP bottle (2024) but it still states distilled in KY, so assume they are finishing out the contract with Heaven Hill. I only paid $40 for this so before reading the label, I assumed this was MGP Indiana whiskey. If I tried this in a blind, I might have guessed it was Beam. The nose has some sweet butterscotch, but I definitely get peanut. Palate adds hay, and the heat is black pepper. ice mellows the pepper immediately and the hay is more prominent. I prefer it straight. Wish I'd boufht a second bottle at that price. No change in previous rating. This is a 4.0-4.25 whiskey consistently. Anxious to try one it switches to MGP.

Nose: chared oak, vanilla and a bit astringency are the primary notes. Palate: cherries, vanilla and medium mouth feel on the palate. Finish: the oakiness comes back into play and honestly, you really get the same flavor notes from start to finish but still a solid barrel strength bourbon.

Received a blind sample from a friend. Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Sweet notes of vanilla, caramel and fruit. Palate: Oak, cinnamon, baking spice. Finish: Medium heat, medium-long length. Oaky dryness and rye. Splash: The spicy cinnamon in the palate becomes a sweet clove note. Overall: 8/10 - This is nice, and a classic bourbon. The finish gives away the higher proof, and the oak gives away its age. This will definitely hold up in a cocktail.