Picture this: Kentucky, 1957. Elvis is swiveling his hips like he’s got something to prove, the Cold War is just warming up, and in a small corner of the Bluegrass State, a little thing called Ezra Brooks is quietly making its debut. This isn’t just another bourbon—no, this is the kind of smooth, rich spirit that makes you want to pull up a rocking chair, listen to the crickets, and contemplate the finer things in life.
Fast forward to 2018, and Ezra’s come a long way, baby—finding itself a new home in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, where the air smells like charred oak, and dreams of the perfect Old Fashioned flow like the Kentucky River.
Welcome to Lux Row Distillers, where bourbon dreams are aged to perfection. Nestled in the heart of Bardstown, Lux Row isn’t just any old distillery—it’s a sprawling, 18,000-square-foot temple to the amber nectar, where six barrel warehouses stand proudly at attention, like soldiers ready for duty.
And in the heart of this bourbon wonderland?
A 43-foot custom copper still, gleaming like it knows it’s the star of the show. Here, under the watchful eye of the Lux family, Ezra Brooks rubs shoulders with its bourbon brothers—Rebel Bourbon, David Nicholson, and Blood Oath—each one bringing something unique to the table, like a well-curated playlist of hits.
But let’s get to the main event: Ezra Brooks' entry level Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the smooth operator that’s been turning heads and warming hearts since it swaggered onto the scene. Bottled at an approachable 40% ABV, this Kentucky straight bourbon is what happens when corn, rye, and barley decide to throw a house party.
The result?
A flavor profile that’s as rich and rounded as a Bluegrass tune, with notes of toffee, chocolate, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
On the nose, Ezra Brooks' staple expression greets you like an old friend with a whiff of cinnamon gum, vanilla pods, and a flamed orange peel—a sensory prelude to the main act.
Take a sip, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a velvety swirl of milk chocolate, buttery cinnamon, and brown sugar, all leading up to a finish that’s as solid as the final note of a honky-tonk ballad. That rye kick at the end? Consider it Ezra’s way of reminding you that this isn’t your granddad’s bourbon—though he’d probably approve.
And here’s where Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey really earns its stripes: the price tag. At an RRP of $63.99 from Dan Murphy’s and BWS, this bourbon doesn’t just offer quality—it offers a downright bargain. It’s like finding a vintage leather jacket at a thrift store for the price of a cup of coffee: unexpected, delightful, and just a little bit cheeky. It’s the kind of bourbon that doesn’t just sit in a glass; it makes an entrance, holds court, and leaves you wanting more.
So, whether you’re a bourbon newbie, dipping your toes into the Kentucky spirit for the first time, or a seasoned sipper with a discerning palate, Lux Row Distillers is calling your name.
Raise a glass to bourbon, to Bardstown, and to keeping it smooth, spicy, and just a little bit rebellious since 1957.
---
Words by AW.
Photo courtesy of Exra Brooks.