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Ezra Brooks 99 vs Stagg
Comparing Ezra Brooks 99 and Stagg reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 130 proof (65% ABV) +31 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$70 less | ~$70 – $120 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Ezra Brooks 99 and Stagg do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Stagg
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/10 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Stagg 10 out of 10
oak 5/9 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Stagg 9 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
fruit 2/5 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, Stagg 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
nuttiness 5/4 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Stagg 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.
- Stagg: Uncut and unfiltered Buffalo Trace at a proof that demands respect. Dark chocolate, espresso and charred oak arrive with genuine heat, and a few drops of water unlock a surprising amount of fruit.
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 and without hunting for it.
- Go with Stagg if you want the biggest, hottest, most concentrated expression of the Buffalo Trace profile with significantly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); neat (Stagg).