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David Nicholson Reserve vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +14 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$20 – $26 ~$12 less |
- 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 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/4 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- 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 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
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 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).