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David Nicholson Reserve vs Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Russell’s Reserve 10 Year reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 10 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$10 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- 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.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/8 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ten years of Wild Turkey at a restrained 90 proof, which trades the 101's punch for polish. More oak and more composure, and one of the better age-stated bottles at its price.
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 Russell’s Reserve 10 Year if you want an age-stated, oak-forward Wild Turkey with the volume turned down.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year).