Introduction
Today, we're diving into Ezra Brooks 99 Bourbon, a 99-proof expression from Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky. Ezra Brooks, part of the Luxco portfolio, is known for its rye-forward profile, while their sister brand, Rebel, leans towards wheated bourbons. Ezra Brooks 99 is a non-age-stated bourbon with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. At just $22 in Ohio, this whiskey promises a solid value—so let's see how it measures up!
This review is taken from our episode "Ran / Ezra Brooks 99 Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: The nose is soft and sweet with corn, vanilla, and a hint of peanut butter. The rye is subtle, just enough to remind you it’s there without being overpowering. It’s a nice, balanced nose, and I’d give it a 7/10.
Bob: I’m giving it an 8/10. The rye doesn’t dominate, and the nose is surprisingly sweet—almost like a weeded bourbon. I picked up notes of brown sugar, maple, and a really ripe, juicy peach. The rye mingles with the ethanol at the very end, which adds a little complexity.
Taste
Brad: The sweetness continues into the palate, where it turns into a sort of Coca-Cola effervescence, which we usually associate with weeded bourbons. There’s a little peanut, some vanilla, and a bit of rye spice that works well. I’m a fan of the palate, so I’ll give it an 8/10.
Bob: I’m right there with you on the cola vibes, but I found the sweetness dialed back a bit. It’s like essence of Coca-Cola with a dusty oak finish. There’s also a floral note that surprised me. I’ll give the taste an 8.5/10—it’s got more going on than I expected.
Finish
Brad: The finish is where it sours a bit for me. The oak comes through strongly, but the spiciness doesn’t really develop. It’s decent, but not a standout. I’ll give it a 6.5/10.
Bob: I think the oak dominates on the finish too, but I like the punch of Coca-Cola flavor right when you swallow. It fades quickly, though, and lacks complexity. Still, I think it’s decent, so I’ll give it a 7.5/10.
Balance
Brad: For me, the flavors are simple but well-integrated. It doesn’t overwhelm with complexity, but the elements that are there work well together. I’ll give it a 7/10.
Bob: I think for a $22 whiskey, the balance is great. Even at its weakest point (the finish), it never falls below a 7.5/10 for me. I’m giving it an 8.5/10 overall on balance.
Value
Brad: This is a $22 bottle in Ohio, and for that price, you can’t go wrong. It’s a solid sipper with some nice flavors, and it even works well as a warm-up whiskey for those longer tasting sessions. I’m giving it an 8/10 on value.
Bob: I totally agree. It’s versatile, affordable, and full of flavor. Whether you’re drinking it neat or mixing it into a cocktail, it holds up. I’m giving it an 8.5/10 for value.
Final Scores
Brad: My final score comes out to a 37/50.
Bob: I’m a bit higher at 41/50.
Together, that gives Ezra Brooks 99 a combined score of 39/50 or 78/100. We typically recommend buying or trying a whiskey at the bar if it scores above 35/50, and Ezra Brooks 99 definitely hits that mark. It’s an affordable whiskey with solid legs to stand on—go grab yourself a bottle!
