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David Nicholson Reserve vs Stagg
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Stagg reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 130 proof (65% ABV) +30 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$60 less | ~$70 – $120 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Stagg do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Stagg
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/10 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Stagg 10 out of 10
oak 6/9 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Stagg 9 out of 10
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Stagg 5 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Stagg 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Stagg: Uncut and unfiltered Buffalo Trace at a proof that demands respect. Dark chocolate, espresso and charred oak arrive with genuine heat, and a few drops of water unlock a surprising amount of fruit.
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 Stagg if you want the biggest, hottest, most concentrated expression of the Buffalo Trace profile with significantly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat (Stagg).