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Ezra Brooks 99 vs Evan Williams Black Label
On paper Ezra Brooks 99 and Evan Williams Black Label are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so proof (99 vs. 86) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | Evan Williams Black Label |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +13 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$14 – $18 ~$9 less |
- Ezra Brooks 99 does 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
Ezra Brooks 99
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 Evan Williams Black Label
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 2/4 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10
nuttiness 5/4 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon.
- 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.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label).