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Jim Beam Black vs Ezra Brooks 99
Jim Beam Black and Ezra Brooks 99 sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, rye-forward classic versus a sourced, classically built blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Ezra Brooks 99 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$22 – $28 |
- Jim Beam Black and Ezra Brooks 99 do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ezra Brooks 99
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Ezra Brooks 99
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
fruit 3/2 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10
nuttiness 6/5 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10
spice 4/4 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
- 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 Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
- Go with Ezra Brooks 99 if you want a high-proof, nutty, caramel-forward everyday bourbon.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99).