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David Nicholson Reserve vs W.L. Weller Full Proof
Put David Nicholson Reserve next to W.L. Weller Full Proof and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | W.L. Weller Full Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 114 proof (57% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$50 less | ~$50 – $120 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- David Nicholson Reserve and W.L. Weller Full Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
W.L. Weller Full Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve W.L. Weller Full Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 8 out of 10
spice 6/3 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 out of 10
heat 5/7 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 7 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 4 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, W.L. Weller Full Proof 3 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.
- W.L. Weller Full Proof: Weller's wheated bourbon bottled at its barrel-entry proof of 114, without chill filtering. Coffee cake, caramel and cinnamon with a bold, warming body.
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 W.L. Weller Full Proof if you want a bold, sweet wheater bottled at barrel-entry proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (W.L. Weller Full Proof).