Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:33 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Ezra Brooks vs Rebel Yell in this head-to-head comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Ezra Brooks 90 vs. Rebel Yell: Budget Bourbons on Trial
Ezra Brooks 90:
- Strengths: Affordable, good for mixing, decent flavor profile.
- Weaknesses: Thin mouthfeel, heat might require water or ice, no age statement.
- Verdict: Reliable daily sipper or mixer, consider other options for pure enjoyment.
Rebel Yell:
- Strengths: Wheated bourbon (unique sweetness), lower proof, historical legacy.
- Weaknesses: Lacks depth, hot with harsh notes, better options in the wheated category.
- Verdict: Not a standout wheated bourbon, explore further for richer flavor.
Key Differences:
- Mash bill: Ezra Brooks (corn, barley, rye), Rebel Yell (wheated).
- Price: Ezra Brooks slightly cheaper.
- Complexity: Both lack depth, Rebel Yell more one-dimensional.
- Proof: Rebel Yell lower proof but drinks hotter.
Remember: Your personal preference reigns supreme! Experiment and find what suits your taste and budget. If you seek pure enjoyment, prioritize established brands or explore beyond these two options.
Additional Notes:
- Ezra Brooks: Fun fact – The namesake character is fictional!
- Rebel Yell: Consider using in cocktails to mask weaker points.
Ultimately: Both offer value for their price, but prioritize taste over affordability if seeking a truly fulfilling bourbon experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Budget-Friendly Bourbons
Ezra Brooks 90: A Budget-Friendly Bourbon with Perks, But Not Perfection
- Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, ethanol
- Palate: Vanilla, banana, oak, spice
- Finish: Caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Jack Daniel’s
Subtle & Spicy: Ezra Brooks 90 greets your nose with hints of caramel, dried fruit, and a sprinkle of black pepper. On the palate, it starts lean, but peppery warmth gives way to a pleasant mix of fruity notes, vanilla, and baking spice.
Heat on Both Ends: The finish lingers with warmth, rye spice, and a touch of bitterness. While neat sips are possible, a drop of water softens the heat, or ice amps up the spice and dryness.
Value for Your Wallet: This bourbon shines with its budget-friendly price tag. It’s a solid choice for casual drinks, mixing in cocktails, or even gifting (though maybe not your closest friends!).
Ezra Brooks 90 Facts:
- No age statement
- Corn, malted barley, and rye mash bill
- Charcoal filtered before bottling
- Crafted at Lux Row Distillers since 2018
- Owned by Luxco, maker of David Nicholson, Blood Oath, and Davies County
- Fun fact: Ezra Brooks isn’t real, but a marketing invention!
Remember: Taste is subjective! While Ezra Brooks 90 might not be a top-shelf experience, its affordability and decent flavor profile make it a contender for casual bourbon enjoyment.
Rebel Yell: A Wheated Bourbon with Potential, But Not Quite There
- Nose: Ripe fruit, apple, pear
- Palate: Vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, oak spice
- Finish: Warm, chocolate, almond, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Evan Williams
Sweet & Fruity, But Missing Depth: Rebel Yell starts off charming with fresh apple and pear aromas, but the palate falls short. Flavors are muted, with hints of vanilla and spice overshadowed by a lingering bitterness.
Spice Takes Center Stage: The finish tries to redeem itself with chocolate and almond notes, but a persistent spice dominates. Adding ice can tame the heat and bring out sweeter caramel and vanilla, making it more drinkable.
Wheated Wonders to Consider: Rebel Yell falls into the wheated bourbon category, known for smoothness and sweetness. If you’re drawn to this style, explore more established options like Larceny, which offers a delightful taste profile at a similar price point.
Not Quite a Rebel: While the history and heritage behind Rebel Yell are impressive, the bourbon itself drinks hotter than its proof suggests, lacks body, and presents some harsh notes. It’s not a bad choice if you’re on a tight budget, but there are better wheated bourbons out there waiting to be discovered.
Rebel Yell Facts:
- No age statement
- 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley
- Registered brand since 1936, recipe goes back to mid-19th century
- Crafted at Heaven Hill Distillery alongside renowned brands like Elijah Craig and Evan Williams
Remember, taste is subjective! If you’re curious about Rebel Yell, give it a try and see if it resonates with you. But if you’re looking for a truly captivating wheated bourbon experience, consider exploring further before raising a glass to this particular rebel.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Ezra Brooks | $15 |
| Rebel Yell | $18 |
What do Ezra Brooks and Rebel Yell have in common?
Both brands are owned by Luxco but crafted at different distilleries
- Ezra Brooks was originally crafted at the Heaven Hills Distillery but since 2018 has been produced at Lux Row Distillers.
- Rebel Yell is sourced at the Heaven Hills Distillery.