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Evan Williams Black Label vs Ezra Brooks 99
On paper Evan Williams Black Label and Ezra Brooks 99 are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so proof (86 vs. 99) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | Ezra Brooks 99 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$9 less | ~$22 – $28 |
- Ezra Brooks 99 does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ezra Brooks 99
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Ezra Brooks 99
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 4/2 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/5 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
- 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 Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99).