Old Ezra 7 Year Barrel Strength Bourbon

Similar notes to Elijah Craig barrel proof but a little less bold and with more vanilla sweetness. Really tastes like it is sourced from heaven hill. Delicious bourbon.

Nose - (w/o water) Sweet caramel, oaky cinnamon, light cherry cough drop sweet, oaky vanilla (w/ water) Reduced fruity sweetness, more oaky vanilla caramel Taste - (w/o water) Mellow, kind of drying cinnamon caramel, light cherry candy, drying oaky vanilla caramel (w/ water) Reduced heat, more dry, less cherry & more oaky cinnamon caramel, fruity sweet reappears at the very end Finish - (w/o water) Lingering heat/tingle, sweet cherry caramel, cinnamon red hot heat (w/ water) Little to no burn, lingering fruity/cherry lingers, vanilla caramels remain in background Score - 88/100 Final Thoughts - This one surprised me quite a bit as it wasn't quite as hot as the proof would make you think, which is quite dangerous. I'm mixed about how this handles water in that the mouthfeel is improved, but the cherry is a bit mellowed out. It does help the heat/tingle a bit but it also wasn't that bad for the higher proof in the first place. This isn't too bad for the price but I can see this being quite dangerous as it drinks well below its proof. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Yes

Color: fantastic copper brown that epitomizes the color bourbon Legs: there is an initial set that run down the sides, followed by a second grouping lingering at the top Nose: toasted caramel and toffee with vanilla Body: the body stays true to the nose and brings a little heat with the 117 proof coming into play Finish: first sip is spicy and warm with the second and third bring much more gentle. Overall: this is a high quality, high proof single barrel with really consistent nose to finish. Sometimes you're in the mood for a surprise, and sometimes you just want to know exactly what you're going to get. This falls in the second category. Definitely going on my best under $50 list.

Grain, rye spice, cherries. Some heat.