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David Nicholson Reserve vs Wild Turkey Longbranch
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Wild Turkey Longbranch is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (100 vs. 86).
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Wild Turkey Longbranch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 8 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$5 less | ~$35 – $45 |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Wild Turkey Longbranch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Wild Turkey Longbranch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Wild Turkey Longbranch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 7 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 4 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 5 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 3 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey Longbranch 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- 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.
- Wild Turkey Longbranch: Eight-year Wild Turkey filtered through American oak charcoal and then Texas mesquite charcoal. It is softer and sweeter than the usual Turkey, with honey and orange and a faint smoke.
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 Wild Turkey Longbranch if you want a softer, sweeter Wild Turkey with a light mesquite smoke.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); rocks, highball, old-fashioned (Wild Turkey Longbranch).