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David Nicholson Reserve vs Ezra Brooks 99
On paper David Nicholson Reserve and Ezra Brooks 99 are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$30 – $40 vs. ~$22 – $28) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Ezra Brooks 99 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$22 – $28 ~$10 less |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Ezra Brooks 99 do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ezra Brooks 99
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Ezra Brooks 99
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
fruit 3/2 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- David Nicholson Reserve: The rye-recipe sibling to the 1843, with extra age. Toasty oak and rye spice give it more backbone, and the spice stays put through a long, warm finish.
- Ezra Brooks 99: A high-proof value bottle from Lux Row. The nose is quiet, but the palate is bolder, with creamy caramel, brown sugar and a nutty, peanut-like edge.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99).