Compare
Ezra Brooks 99 vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
On paper Ezra Brooks 99 and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$22 – $28 vs. ~$55 – $65) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +9 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$35 less | ~$55 – $65 |
- Ezra Brooks 99 and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old do not publish an official mash bill.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 Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 2/6 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
oak 5/7 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 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 Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
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 Jefferson's Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).