Compare
Buffalo Trace vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Buffalo Trace and David Nicholson Reserve is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (90 vs. 100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Buffalo Trace | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$30 – $40 |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Buffalo Trace and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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
Buffalo Trace
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Buffalo Trace David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 5/3 fruit: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Buffalo Trace 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Buffalo Trace 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Buffalo Trace 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Buffalo Trace: The reference-point Kentucky bourbon: balanced brown sugar and vanilla sweetness, a whisper of mint, and just enough oak and spice to keep it interesting. Nothing is loud, which is exactly the point at 90 proof.
- 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 Buffalo Trace if you want the balanced, everyday Kentucky benchmark that does nothing wrong at a fair price.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Buffalo Trace); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).