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Charles Goodnight Bourbon vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Charles Goodnight Bourbon and David Nicholson Reserve reveals a matchup between an uncut, spice-driven heavyweight and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Charles Goodnight Bourbon | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 6 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +15 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $80 | ~$30 – $40 ~$43 less |
- David Nicholson Reserve does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Charles Goodnight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Charles Goodnight Bourbon David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/3 fruit: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
heat 8/5 heat: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/5 sweetness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- Charles Goodnight Bourbon: A barrel-strength Texas bourbon. The hot Texas climate pulls a lot of oak in six years, giving deep wood, brown sugar and dark fruit with plenty of rye spice.
- 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 Charles Goodnight Bourbon if you want a bold, oak-heavy Texas bourbon at barrel strength with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Charles Goodnight Bourbon); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).