Compare
Ezra Brooks 99 vs Penelope Architect
Comparing Ezra Brooks 99 and Penelope Architect reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) +5 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$40 less | ~$60 – $70 |
- Ezra Brooks 99 does 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.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 2/6 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 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.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
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 Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).