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Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon vs Ezra Brooks 99
On paper Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Ezra Brooks 99 are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$85 – $100 vs. ~$22 – $28) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon | 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 | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$85 – $100 | ~$22 – $28 ~$68 less |
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Ezra Brooks 99 do not publish an official mash bill.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
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ezra Brooks 99
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Ezra Brooks 99
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 8/2 fruit: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10
spice 5/4 spice: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
nuttiness 5/5 nuttiness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced finish.
- 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 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate.
- 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 (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99).