Compare
David Nicholson Reserve vs Evan Williams Black Label
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Evan Williams Black Label is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (100 vs. 86).
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Evan Williams Black Label |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$14 – $18 ~$19 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
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Evan Williams Black Label
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
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.
- Go with Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label).