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David Nicholson Reserve vs Four Roses Single Barrel
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Four Roses Single Barrel 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 Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$15 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- 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 Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Four Roses Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/7 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 7 out of 10
spice 6/8 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 8 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 6 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Four Roses Single Barrel 3 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.
- Four Roses Single Barrel: The OBSV recipe on its own at 100 proof — the highest-rye mash Four Roses uses, paired with their most floral yeast. Cherry and clove in equal measure, and a genuinely distinctive 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.
- Go with Four Roses Single Barrel if you want the most expressive, spice-and-fruit-forward single recipe in the Four Roses range.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, old-fashioned (Four Roses Single Barrel).