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David Nicholson Reserve vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +30 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$103 less | ~$75 – $200 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/9 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
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 Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).