Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey vs Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon WhiskeyHighland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryEzra BrooksHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV49.5%43%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£41.09£33.83
Rating5.00/53.71/5

Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner90/100
Value100/100

Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.71).

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £34 vs £41.

For beginners: Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£41.09 vs £33.83)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£33.83 vs £41.09)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.7 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Ezra?

Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Bourbon character.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ChocolateVanillaToastedNutty

Only Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedSmokeyDried Fruit

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