I wasn’t sure about this one at first… it was extra hot and extra sour, with a more “bourbon rye” profile rather than straight rye. I almost wrote it off as a “bourbon bro rye,” but after about a week it opened up nicely. The heat and sour had more nuanced interplay, the rye flavor was more pronounced, and the bourbon notes thankfully became more muted.
At 57% alcohol by volume, this is a pretty spicy bottle. Not the best regular pour, but the interplay of the tang and the heat keep each sip interesting, making it a great palette changeup option in any lineup.
It’s not bad on ice, the tang and heat give way a bit to a hint of leather and must. While I found it much more easily drinkable this way, I don’t think it belongs on ice. This one is meant to punch you in the face, the heat-tang commands attention and deserves respect.
Old Ezra 7 Year Rye means to be bold, and at ~$80 it’s a solid pick if you’re after something punchy. For a more standard Rye, look elsewhere regardless of price point.