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David Nicholson Reserve vs Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by price (~$30 – $40 vs. ~$85 – $100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$58 less | ~$85 – $100 |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/8 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 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.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced 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 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon).