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David Nicholson Reserve vs Jim Beam Black
David Nicholson Reserve and Jim Beam Black sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a sourced, classically built blend versus an old-guard, rye-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$22 – $28 ~$10 less |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
fruit 3/3 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- 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.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
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 Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).