There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey vs Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Rye: Head-to-Head Rye Comparison carries one worth telling.
Choosing between Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey and Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Rye can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey | Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Rye | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Rye | Rye |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 50% ABV), mash bill: 51% rye, 45% corn, and 4% mal | 49.5% abv |
| Price | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| Rating | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Nose
Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey: The initial fleeting rubber eraser smell at first nose segues into rustic flavors of lemon citrus, honey, green peppercorn, and raw pear.
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Rye: This is a soft nose with some unmistakable alcohol esters. I found a perfume rye with clove rolled into a bread pudding.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey: The palate offers spicy notes of warm grains, vanilla, dry raisins, and sawdust.
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Rye: Billowing notes of almond extract which hit and tingle the cheeks. The tingling sensation holds throughout the tasting experience. This is surprisingly robust for being 51% rye without becoming harsh. The mouthfeel is watery with a light pop in the cheeks. There is some white sugar sweetness along with rye berries throughout, but nothing overpowers or really puts itself on display. The finish is sweet with a soft grass note here and there.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey: Comments: 100 proof (50% ABV), mash bill: 51% rye, 45% corn, and 4% malt, 750 ml MSRP $19.99
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Rye: Comments: $24.99 SRP
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey offers significantly more bang for your buck at $19.99 compared to Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Rye's $24.99.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
This is a genuinely close call. Both Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey and Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Rye have their strengths, and picking a clear winner depends entirely on what you value most in a whiskey.
We'd recommend trying both if you can. Each has qualities that make it worth a pour.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey vs Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Rye: Head-to-Head Rye Comparison is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
