Compare
Ezra Brooks 99 vs George T. Stagg
Comparing Ezra Brooks 99 and George T. Stagg reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | George T. Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| 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) | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +44 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$450 less | ~$150 – $800 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Ezra Brooks 99 and George T. Stagg do not publish an official mash bill.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
Ezra Brooks 99
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
George T. Stagg
Very complex, with the taste profile moving across the entire palate.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 George T. Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/10 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 10 out of 10
oak 5/9 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 9 out of 10
fruit 2/6 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, George T. Stagg 6 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, George T. Stagg 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, George T. Stagg 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- George T. Stagg: The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection's barrel-proof bourbon, around 15 years old. Root beer, dark caramel and charred oak at an enormous proof that changes each year.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
- Go with George T. Stagg if you want the oldest, hottest, most concentrated Buffalo Trace bourbon you can find with significantly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); neat (George T. Stagg).