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1792 Small Batch vs David Nicholson Reserve
Put 1792 Small Batch next to David Nicholson Reserve and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a blender-built, corn-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 ~$5 less | ~$30 – $40 |
- 1792 Small Batch and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
1792 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 5/3 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 1792 Small Batch: Barton's flagship and one of the most under-discussed bottles at its price. A high-rye character with cocoa and orange peel, and considerably more going on than the shelf position suggests.
- David Nicholson Reserve: The rye-recipe sibling to the 1843, with extra age. Toasty oak and rye spice give it more backbone, and the spice stays put through a long, warm finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).