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David Nicholson Reserve vs Four Roses Bourbon
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Four Roses Bourbon reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Four Roses Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +20 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$22 – $28 ~$10 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.
Four Roses Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Four Roses Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/3 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10
fruit 3/6 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10
heat 5/2 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 2 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Four Roses Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating 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.
- Four Roses Bourbon: The yellow label entry point, blending all ten Four Roses recipes at a gentle 80 proof. Light and fruity to a fault, but the house floral character is already recognisable and it mixes beautifully.
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 Four Roses Bourbon if you want the Four Roses fruit-and-floral signature at its lightest and cheapest.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); cocktails, highball, rocks (Four Roses Bourbon).