Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Bourbon 750ML is a charcoal-filtered Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 49.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. What distinguishes this expression from most of its Kentucky peers is its charcoal filtration step — a technique rarely employed by Bluegrass State distillers — which contributes a notably smooth character despite the higher proof.Quick Facts: ABV: 49.5% (99 Proof) | Origin: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Distillery: Lux Row DistillersProduction & HeritageEzra Brooks 99 Proof is produced at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky — the heart of bourbon country. The mashbill consists of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, placing it in the ryed bourbon category with enough grain spice to add complexity without overwhelming the palate. After aging in charred oak barrels, the bourbon undergoes charcoal filtration, a step more commonly associated with Tennessee whiskey production. This unusual finishing touch for a Kentucky bourbon helps soften the spirit while preserving the intensity that 99 proof demands.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with vanilla and caramel, followed by warm baking spice and sweet cornbread. Deeper investigation reveals notes of mint, cherry, nutmeg, and a suggestion of buttered popcorn that adds unexpected richness.Taste: The entry is sweet, led by caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch that coat the palate immediately. At mid-palate, the rye grain asserts itself with cinnamon spice and peanut brittle, while cherry and milk chocolate emerge as the proof opens up. Dark chocolate and a gentle oak tannin add structure through the peak.Finish: Medium in length with a sweet, lingering warmth. Caramel, mint, and cinnamon persist as the charcoal-filtered smoothness keeps the close mellow rather than fiery.How to Drink Ezra Brooks 99At 99 proof, this bourbon has enough backbone for neat sipping but also opens up beautifully with a single ice cube or a few drops of water, which coax out the sweeter vanilla and cherry notes. Its proof and flavor profile make it a strong cocktail base: try it in an Old Fashioned, where the caramel and baking spice amplify the sugar and bitters interplay; a Boulevardier, where the bourbon's sweetness and rye spice hold their own against Campari and sweet vermouth; or a Whiskey Sour, where the 99-proof intensity punches through citrus without losing its character.Best For Building a home bourbon bar with versatile, higher-proof options Introducing a cocktail enthusiast to quality mixing bourbon Side-by-side tastings comparing Kentucky charcoal filtration against traditional bourbon methods Everyday sipping for bourbon drinkers who prefer more intensity than the standard 80 proof Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Ezra Brooks 99 taste like? Ezra Brooks 99 leads with caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch sweetness before rye spice, cherry, and dark chocolate emerge at mid-palate. The charcoal filtration lends a smoother mouthfeel than many bourbons at similar proof.How does Ezra Brooks 99 compare to Wild Turkey 101? Both are higher-proof Kentucky straight bourbons at accessible price points, but they differ in production approach. Wild Turkey 101 uses a lower corn, higher rye mashbill and is not charcoal filtered, resulting in a spicier, more robust profile compared to the smoother, sweeter character of Ezra Brooks 99.Is Ezra Brooks 99 good for cocktails? Yes — the 49.5% ABV ensures the bourbon's flavor carries through dilution and mixers, making it an excellent choice for spirit-forward cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans.Where is Ezra Brooks 99 made? Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Bourbon is produced at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, a town widely regarded as the bourbon capital of the world.What foods pair well with Ezra Brooks 99? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the bourbon's sweetness complements charred, smoky meat. Dark chocolate truffles, which echo the whiskey's cocoa notes. Pecan pie, bridging the peanut brittle and caramel flavors. Aged cheddar, whose sharpness contrasts the butterscotch sweetness. Cornbread with honey butter, which mirrors the corn-forward mashbill.What sizes does Ezra Brooks 99 come in? The standard size is the 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.Is Ezra Brooks 99 worth the price? Ezra Brooks 99 positions as a value-tier bourbon that competes well above its price class, sitting alongside other affordable higher-proof options like Wild Turkey 101 and Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond while offering the rare distinction of charcoal filtration in a Kentucky bourbon.Why Ezra Brooks 99?The real talking point here is the charcoal filtration — a production step that is exceedingly rare among Kentucky straight bourbons and gives this expression a textural smoothness that belies its 99-proof strength. Built on a classic ryed mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, it delivers the caramel-and-spice backbone bourbon drinkers expect while adding a layer of approachability that higher-proof whiskeys often lack. For anyone seeking proof-driven flavor without a rough edge, Ezra Brooks 99 fills a gap in the market that very few Kentucky distillers have attempted to address. It is a straightforward, well-constructed bourbon that rewards both neat sipping and cocktail mixing in equal measure.
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