Hey there, friends! It's been a little while since my last review, I know — but hey, it's summer! The sun's out, everyone's off enjoying beaches, barbecues, and probably sipping spritzers instead of cask strength drams. So you'll notice my posts might pop up with a bit more time between them. Gotta enjoy the slower pace myself too!

Lately, I've been watching the series Yellowstone (seriously, what a show!), and let me tell you — those cowboys know their bourbon. I kept spotting bottles like Bulleit, Buffalo Trace, Blanton's, Pendleton… even one literally called Yellowstone. Not to mention a few non-bourbon guests like Macallan, Crown Royal, and Glenlivet sneaking into scenes.

That got me thinking: "Hold on a second… I haven't reviewed a single bourbon here yet!" That clearly needed fixing.

So, I checked out a bottle that showed up at one of the local stores a few weeks back. I looked up the price and — bam! — promo alert! I snagged it for just €26.99. And here's the kicker: it's port cask finished. You know me… I can't resist a good port finish. So now, curiosity's through the roof. 

Let's dive in and see what the Ezra Brooks 99 Port Cask Finish is all about, shall we?

But before we go any further, please check out my previous reviews.🥃✅

About Lux Row Distillers

(where this whiskey is made)

Welcome to Bardstown, Kentucky — the bourbon capital of the world — and home to Lux Row Distillers, one of the younger yet mightily ambitious names in American whiskey. The story begins in 1958, not in Kentucky, but in St. Louis, Missouri, when David Sherman Sr. and Paul A. Lux founded what was then the David Sherman Corporation. The company spent decades producing and marketing spirits, working behind the scenes as a bottler and importer for various well-known brands.

In 2006, the company rebranded as Luxco, and by 2015 they decided it was time to go from bottler to distiller. The dream became reality in 2018 with the opening of Lux Row Distillery on a scenic 90-acre site in Bardstown. Complete with a stately brick façade and classic Kentucky charm, the facility blended old-school bourbon heritage with modern innovation.

That same year, Luxco also bought half of Limestone Branch Distillery, reviving the beloved Yellowstone Bourbon brand — a nod to their deepening whiskey roots. And in 2021, MGP Ingredients, a major distilling powerhouse, acquired Luxco, giving the brand even more muscle in the industry. Despite corporate changes, Lux Row continues to operate as a beacon of bourbon tradition and creativity in the heart of Kentucky.

Production

At Lux Row, production is a blend of tradition and modern precision. Whiskey lovers will appreciate the use of a classic Vendome copper still, the gold standard for quality American distillation. Lux Row takes fermentation seriously too — they've got 12 stainless steel fermentation tanks, allowing for flexibility in fermentation times, ranging between three to seven days.

The distillery places an emphasis on sourcing high-quality local ingredients, using only Kentucky-grown corn, combined with carefully selected malted barley and wheat or rye depending on the mash bill. Each recipe is designed with distinct flavor goals in mind — whether it's a wheated bourbon for a smooth, rounded character, or a spicy rye-forward profile for those who like their whiskey bold.

Every part of the process, from grain to barrel, is managed on-site, ensuring full control over quality and flavor consistency. The team is hands-on, passionate, and clearly enjoys the art of crafting whiskey that stands out in a crowded market.

Aging

Aging is where the magic unfolds, and Lux Row doesn't rush it. The distillery boasts ten rickhouses on their sprawling Kentucky property, with room to age over 100,000 barrels at a time. These traditional, multi-story warehouses allow the whiskey to interact with charred American white oak barrels, developing deeper complexity year after year.

Kentucky's wild seasonal swings — from humid summers to frigid winters — work in Lux Row's favor. These temperature fluctuations push and pull the whiskey in and out of the wood, helping create the rich colors, caramelized sugars, and nuanced flavor notes bourbon fans crave.

Some expressions, like the port barrel-finished bourbons, are aged first in new charred oak and then finished in specialty casks for added layers of dried fruit, spice, and depth. While some bottles are ready in four to six years, others, like the higher-end releases, are aged for up to 12 years or more before they ever meet a glass.

Core Range

Lux Row may be young, but its whiskey lineup is already making waves.

Ezra Brooks Bourbon is a flagship name, known for its charcoal filtration — a method that lends a smooth, mellow character akin to Tennessee whiskey. You'll also find Old Ezra 7-Year 101 Proof, a powerhouse full of oak, caramel, and spice.

Rebel Bourbon (formerly Rebel Yell) showcases the smoothness of wheated mash bills, perfect for those who enjoy a softer sip with hints of vanilla and honeyed grain.

Blood Oath is their limited-edition, ultra-premium series that blends unique bourbons each year — think of it as a playground for master blenders.

Daviess County Bourbon is another rising star, combining rye spice with secondary barrel finishes like Cabernet Sauvignon or French oak.

And of course, there's Yellowstone Select, a heritage-rich bourbon that blends tradition with bold modern notes.

Ezra Brooks 99 Port Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon - Natural Color, Non-chill filtered, 49.5%

This bourbon starts with Ezra Brooks' classic mash bill — 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley — and gets a flavorful twist: it's finished for six additional months in Port wine casks before being bottled at a bold 99 proof.

"Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish was crafted for bourbon lovers seeking something a little different — a richer, more elevated flavor experience," says brand manager Eric Winter.

"Master Distiller John Rempe was intrigued by the contrast between the rye-forward spice of our bourbon and the rich, dark fruit sweetness of Port wine."

Nose: Classic bourbon character greets you first — vanilla, caramel, and sweet corn — layered with brown sugar and a touch of rye spice. As it opens up, raspberry, blue grapes, and a dusting of cinnamon emerge, all wrapped in a gentle oakiness. A lively yet balanced nose that hints at something richer beneath the surface.

Taste: A vibrant kick of spicy cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and rye hits up front, quickly followed by cooling mint and waves of caramel and toasted oak. Mid-palate, you'll find dark chocolate, raisins, and roasted nuts, with subtle red wine and molasses sweetness adding depth. The port cask influence is elegant and restrained — not dominating, but adding a soft, fruity undertone that elevates the complexity without overshadowing the bourbon base.

Finish: Medium in length with a comforting warmth. Notes of mint, rye, oak, and vanilla linger, joined by a gentle whisper of port wine richness and dark fruit on the tail end. It's a refined and satisfying close that invites another sip.

This one really surprised me in the best way. If you're already a fan of Ezra Brooks 99, you're going to enjoy this even more. It takes everything I like about the standard bottling — vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, and oak — and gives it an extra layer of depth and complexity thanks to the port cask finish. What I really appreciated is how balanced the port influence is. It's not overwhelming or too wine-heavy — instead, it adds this gentle fruity softness, with notes of dark berries and raisins that sit beautifully over the bourbon's bold, spicy backbone. The nose is lively, the palate is punchy yet layered, and the finish leaves you wanting more. Overall, a solid, well-executed bourbon with a twist. Not a game-changer, but definitely worth trying — especially considering the price point. Score: 7.4/10 Buy it. Try it. Drink responsibly.

Some of the photos featured in this article are not my own; I've credited the original owners. All other images bearing my logo were taken and are owned by me.

Feel free to check out the scores and rankings I've given to each whisky I reviewed.

Thanks for reading—I hope you enjoyed it! Here's to many more drams. Sláinte!

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