Compare
Ezra Brooks 99 vs Wild Turkey 81
Comparing Ezra Brooks 99 and Wild Turkey 81 is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (99 vs. 81).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ezra Brooks 99 | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +18 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$20 – $25 |
- Ezra Brooks 99 and Wild Turkey 81 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ezra Brooks 99 Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/2 heat: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
nuttiness 5/2 nuttiness: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 2/3 fruit: Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Wild Turkey 81: The same mash bill and No. 4 char as Wild Turkey 101, cut to 81 proof. Honey and toffee come through clearly, but the body and spice are much lighter.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).