With our Ezra Brooks pick in 2023, underneath the FDI umbrella, unanimously being an absolute hit for the price- we had to do it again. This time, instead of 107 proof, this expression coined ANOTHA 1 is coming in hot at 120 proof. Like our previous pick, the key case use of this bottle is to truly elevate your home Old Fashioned.

If you speed ahead and read the credits, you’ll notice Ylli and Long had no hand in picking this cask. Ylli was overseas trying to find love in all the right places, while Long had a 3 week gout flare. Like the name of our past Ezra pick, we got 99 Problems, But Bourbon Ain’t 1. That being said, there’s a reason why ALCTD’s picks are a group effort and a process we are very prideful of. Selecting the cask that gets the final rose is no easy feat, but this barrel was selected at the end of the day by unanimous decision.

History time! Ezra Brooks is produced by Lux Row Distillers (Luxco), who also produces some other brands you may know; Rebel Yell, Yellowstone and Blood Oath. When Luxco bought the brand Ezra Brooks, it was Heaven Hill who was contract distilling and selling their barrels to the brand to bottle under their name. That’s why you are seeing that same-same mash bill that Elijah Craig has! It wasn’t until 2016 that they built Lux Row Distillery to keep up with the demand as the bourbon boom was poppin’ off.

For a 10% rye, this really doesn’t have much spice profile to it. So for those who are infatuated by Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1 having that low rye content, we heavily entertain you try this Ezra Brooks pick. It’s no easy feat to have a 120 proof not taste its proof, while still having that sweet bourbon character we all know and love. Smoof and sweet.