Ezra Brooks is an American Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brand with roots stretching back to 1957. The brand was created by "21" Brands, Inc., a New York-based distributing company founded in 1933, at a time when bourbon sales were in decline and a particular Tennessee whiskey dominated the market. Interestingly, Ezra Brooks himself is a fictional character — the name was crafted to evoke a sense of heritage and authenticity. The brand was conceived as a genuine, charcoal-filtered Kentucky straight bourbon, positioning itself as a bold alternative for whiskey drinkers of the era. Today, Ezra Brooks is owned by MGP Ingredients and distilled at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky — the heart of bourbon country. The brand is known for producing approachable yet characterful Kentucky straight bourbons, with expressions ranging from their classic bottling to the well-regarded Old Ezra 101, a higher-proof expression that has earned a loyal following among bourbon enthusiasts. The portfolio reflects a commitment to traditional bourbon craftsmanship with a straightforward, no-nonsense style. Over the decades, Ezra Brooks has built a reputation as a reliable, value-driven bourbon with a loyal consumer base. After years of being overshadowed, the brand has seen renewed investment in packaging and product innovation under Luxco's stewardship, including the introduction of Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream, helping to reintroduce this classic American bourbon to a new generation of drinkers.