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David Nicholson Reserve vs Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Elijah Craig 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 | 12 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 124 proof (62% ABV) +24 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$50 less | ~$70 – $100 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/9 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
oak 6/9 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: The uncut, unfiltered version of the same 12-year Heaven Hill juice, and the intensity is the whole point. Thick fudge and char with cinnamon heat, a genuinely long finish, and enough proof that water meaningfully changes the glass.
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 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if you want maximum intensity and oak depth, and you want to control the dilution yourself with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof).