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David Nicholson Reserve vs Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a blender-built, wheated bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$17 less | ~$49 – $55 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 5 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 3/3 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 3 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon 5 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.
- Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon: A Notre Dame-licensed wheater given a second, double-oaked barrel. Maple, honey butter and toasted nuts lead, with charred wood and pepper on a long, warm finish.
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 without hunting for it.
- Go with Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon if you want a double-oaked wheater with maple, toasted nuts and charred wood.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, old-fashioned (Play Like a Champion Today Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon).