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David Nicholson Reserve vs Johnny Drum Private Stock
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Johnny Drum Private Stock is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$30 – $40 vs. ~$35 – $45).
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Johnny Drum Private Stock |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$5 less | ~$35 – $45 |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Johnny Drum Private Stock do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Johnny Drum Private Stock
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/6 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- 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.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
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 Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock).