Compare
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Ezra Brooks 99
On paper Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Ezra Brooks 99 are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$55 – $65 vs. ~$22 – $28) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Ezra Brooks 99 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$22 – $28 ~$35 less |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and Ezra Brooks 99 do not publish an official mash bill.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
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ezra Brooks 99
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Ezra Brooks 99
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/2 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10
oak 7/5 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jefferson's Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof.
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99).