Well the makers might want you to think so, but actually their contents are better than Jack. It is an old advertising trick, let someone do a great job of branding and create a huge following, then come along with a product that looks virtually identical and maybe people will buy it by mistake. Or since they like the original product, maybe because your’s looks very similar they will pick it up and you can live very comfortably off of this kind of coat tail marketing.Thing is, the originator of the product doesn’t often take kindly to that, and there have been several product infringement lawsuits in the Whiskey business. Well as the saying goes you win some and you loose some, but in this particular instance Daniels lost, but so did the copycat. You see the product that is put into the copycat is in my estimation superior to Daniels, so then why this kind of marketing strategy?….
Well, it’s cheaper than trying to brand your own product and if you aren’t interested in putting forth the effort why go to all the expense of originality. So is the case of Ezra Brooks 90 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Is a matter of fact when I had it out on the counter taking this picture My Wife asked if it was Jack Daniels, so the marketing ploy works.In any event, the lack of originality on the marketing side makes this a bottom shelf offering. I paid under $10 for the fifth. Since It doesn’t have an age statement on the bottle I would say it is in the 4-6 year old range. The pour is a golden amber color with a lot of legs on this one. That bodes well for a good mouthfeel, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The flavor was a mix of sweet cherry and dark plum up front with a nutty quality as well, then a big flavor of old leather that really took over, but not in a bad way, and a great spicy finish that lasted about 45 seconds. You can really taste the rye in the mash along with the corn.
Neat
This is a good neat drinker. It is not for the beginner however as the proof is high enough and the flavor and finish spicy enough that I wouldn’t recommend this one for the noob.
On the rocks
This cools the heat and brings out some caramel sweetness from the barrel that is very nice.
With a Splash
This can definitely hold up to water, and adding it cools the finish and shortens it considerably, but it still has a great flavor when it is opened up with a little water.
This would be a great daily drinker. The price is right, the proof is high enough to make it interesting, and the overall flavor is a pleasing one. Why they choose to imitate JD in their labeling is beyond my understanding as this is a very good bourbon, but if it keeps the price under $10 for a fifth I’m all for it!
-Don
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
Are there any whiskeys with Ingredients the same (grains, charchoal, barrels, etc) as Jack?
Marnie, many whiskies use the same basic three grains as Jack, corn, barley, and rye. It just matters how long thwy ave it, and what percentages of geain they use in the mash bill. If you are looking for a similar flavor try dickel. Ive heard its pretty good.