Compare
Angel’s Envy vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Angel’s Envy and David Nicholson Reserve is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (86.6 vs. 100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Angel’s Envy | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86.6 proof (43.3% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$30 – $40 ~$15 less |
- Angel’s Envy and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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
Angel’s Envy
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Angel’s Envy David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 7/3 fruit: Angel’s Envy 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/5 sweetness: Angel’s Envy 8 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Angel’s Envy 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Angel’s Envy 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Angel’s Envy 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Angel’s Envy 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Angel’s Envy: Finished in port barrels, which pushes it well away from the traditional bourbon template toward berry and raisin sweetness. Divisive among purists and extremely popular with everyone else.
- 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 Angel’s Envy if you want an overtly fruity, port-finished bourbon that breaks from the traditional profile on purpose.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Angel’s Envy); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).