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- David Nicholson Reserve and Buffalo Trace do not publish an official mash bill.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