Compare
David Nicholson 1843 vs Jim Beam Black
Put David Nicholson 1843 next to Jim Beam Black and you have a sourced, high-wheat blend set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson 1843 | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$25 – $35 | ~$22 – $28 ~$5 less |
- David Nicholson 1843 and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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
David Nicholson 1843
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson 1843 Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: David Nicholson 1843 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: David Nicholson 1843 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: David Nicholson 1843 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: David Nicholson 1843 7 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: David Nicholson 1843 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: David Nicholson 1843 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- David Nicholson 1843: A long-running wheated label at 100 proof. Smooth vanilla and caramel with a soft, bready body and a touch more spice than you would expect from a wheater.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with David Nicholson 1843 if you want a smooth, 100-proof wheater with a long history.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
Best enjoyed rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (David Nicholson 1843); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).