OHLQ Announces Ezra Brooks Cask Strength Single Barrels - Hitting Shelves Week of 8/15

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of six barrels of Ezra Brooks Cask Strength Single Barrels appearing in stores this week (week of August 15) for $54.99 + tax. 

Since these are Cask Strength, each barrel will have a different taste. Weirdly, they are all the same proof at 120 (60% alcohol). I'm not sure if this is a strange coincidence or if Old Ezra cut them down to this level. Each barrel has been aged four years and they carry the following tasting notes:

• Barrel #7772699 - A true crowd-pleaser with overtones of fruit and a soft, sweet nose
  
  
• Barrel #7772703 - Approachable with a mellow nose of baked goods with hints of vanilla; velvety rich dark chocolate taste, deepened by toasted pecan and buttery caramel
  
  
• Barrel #7775589 - Smokiness on the nose with a spicy palate; peppery, earthy, and peaty taste with hints of mint
  
  
• Barrel #7775601 - Sweet aroma, redolent of baked goods; a taste combining hints of tobacco, notes of baklava, and buttery tones for a complex finish that lingers in the mid to back palate
  
  
• Barrel #7849567 - Nose of freshly toasted oak and citrus, and taste with tones of marmalade and a hint of spice, followed by a warming sensation in the throat and chest on the finish, known as a “Kentucky hug”
  
  
• Barrel #7849886 - Full-bodied taste profile with an aroma including candied fruit and hints of candied pecan with citrus overtones

It isn't known how many bottles are available, but to locate a bottle, use the OHLQ bottle finder.

My Take

Old Ezra Seven Year is one of the highest scoring bourbon I've ever reviewed scoring an 85.5/100. Old Ezra is the premium version of Ezra Brooks and I think this release probably fits in the middle of the two. The $55 + tax price seems reasonable price for a four year cask strength but it's not a good enough price to go nuts over. With that said, if you're a huge Ezra Brooks fan, this is for you... For me, I would have needed this branded as the Old Ezra to move the needle as I associate that with much more quality than the Ezra Brooks label. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below. 

Source: OHLQ