Compare
David Nicholson Reserve vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Michter's US*1 Small Batch is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (100 vs. 91.4).
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +9 proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$15 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Michter's US*1 Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 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.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).