Compare
Ezra Brooks 99 vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
Comparing Ezra Brooks 99 and Johnny Drum Private Stock is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$22 – $28 vs. ~$35 – $45).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +2 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$15 less | ~$35 – $45 |
- Ezra Brooks 99 and Johnny Drum Private Stock do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 2/6 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
nuttiness 5/4 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 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.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon at a lower price point.
- Go with Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).