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David Nicholson Reserve vs Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Kentucky Owl Batch 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 115.8 proof (57.9% ABV) +16 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$315 less | ~$300 – $400 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/8 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 8 out of 10
heat 5/7 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 6 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Kentucky Owl Batch 12: A high-end blend of young and older sourced Kentucky bourbons. Leather, smoky oak and caramel, with a peppery, spice-forward palate.
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 without hunting for it.
- Go with Kentucky Owl Batch 12 if you want a spicy, leathery, high-end blended bourbon with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat (Kentucky Owl Batch 12).