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David Nicholson Reserve vs Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 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 Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$28 less | ~$55 – $70 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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 Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/8 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
heat 5/7 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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 Single Barrel: Non-chill-filtered single barrels at 110 proof, and the format that store picks have made a cult of. Concentrated Wild Turkey character with a texture the standard bottlings do not have.
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 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel if you want concentrated Wild Turkey character with single-barrel variation and real texture with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, old-fashioned (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel).