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Ezra Brooks 99 vs Jim Beam Black
Ezra Brooks 99 and Jim Beam Black sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a blender-built, classically built bottling versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +13 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$22 – $28 |
- Ezra Brooks 99 and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/3 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
fruit 2/3 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 5/6 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).