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David Nicholson Reserve vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Put David Nicholson Reserve next to Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 9 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 120 proof (60% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$15 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/7 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
heat 5/8 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
fruit 3/3 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 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.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
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 Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).