Compare
Penelope Architect vs Ezra Brooks 99
Comparing Penelope Architect and Ezra Brooks 99 reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Architect | Ezra Brooks 99 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) +5 proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $70 | ~$22 – $28 ~$40 less |
- Ezra Brooks 99 does 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
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ezra Brooks 99
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Architect Ezra Brooks 99
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/2 fruit: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 2 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: Penelope Architect 3 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Penelope Architect 7 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 6 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Penelope Architect 5 out of 10, Ezra Brooks 99 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
- 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 Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice.
- 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, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Ezra Brooks 99).