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Ezra Brooks 99 vs Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Comparing Ezra Brooks 99 and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (99 vs. 82.3).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +17 proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$7 less | ~$28 – $36 |
- Ezra Brooks 99 and Jefferson’s Very Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 2/5 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 5/2 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch).