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David Nicholson Reserve vs Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
On paper David Nicholson Reserve and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$30 – $40 vs. ~$70 – $85) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$43 less | ~$70 – $85 |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
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 Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea).