Compare
David Nicholson Reserve vs Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Put David Nicholson Reserve next to Old Forester 1870 Original Batch and you have a blender-built, corn-forward bottling set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$15 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- David Nicholson Reserve does 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.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/6 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
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 Old Forester 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch).