Old Ezra 7-Year Rye is a beauty, and I am really looking forward to tasting again as it opens up. Still, this first pour is impressive and complex. It almost feels like a finished whiskey (I'll get into that later). Anyway, here is my review of Old Ezra 7-Year Straight Rye Whiskey.
Nose
Very clearly on the nose of Old Ezra 7-Year Rye are figs and oak. Oak is always very present on the nose throughout the tasting. A little bit of brown sugar is below all the other notes.
Palate
The palate features oak, fig, and black pepper with milk chocolate as you get deeper into the tasting. Immediately you'll notice how creamy it is; very creamy. At 114 proof, this is a beautiful rye that is easy to drink.
If I didn't know any better, I would swear there was some port finishing to this Old Ezra 7-Year Rye; but there isn't. The chocolatey notes become more prominent as you get deeper into the pour—slight saltiness. Interestingly, the rye flavor reveals itself later in the tasting. Still, I am surprised by how much oak is present throughout all phases of the tasting experience.
Finish
On the finish, there are cocoa notes and seasoned oak; some pepper, but not as much as there was initially on the palate—lengthy and warm finish.
The next pour of Old Ezra 7-Year Straight Rye Whiskey in a few weeks should be exciting. I'm eagerly anticipating it.