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Ezra Brooks 99 vs Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Comparing Ezra Brooks 99 and Horse Soldier Barrel Strength reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, wheated heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | Horse Soldier Barrel Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 111 proof (55.5% ABV) +12 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$57 less | ~$78 – $85 |
- Ezra Brooks 99 and Horse Soldier Barrel Strength do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 2/5 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
heat 5/7 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 6 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.
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength: A barrel-strength wheater from the veteran-founded Horse Soldier brand. Brown sugar and toasted oak lead, baking spice and heat follow, and a splash of water pulls out darker fruit.
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.
- Go with Horse Soldier Barrel Strength if you want a big, barrel-strength wheated bourbon with plenty of brown sugar and warmth with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); neat, old-fashioned (Horse Soldier Barrel Strength).