Compare
David Nicholson Reserve vs Willett Pot Still Reserve
On paper David Nicholson Reserve and Willett Pot Still Reserve are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$30 – $40 vs. ~$45 – $60) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Willett Pot Still Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$18 less | ~$45 – $60 |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Willett Pot Still Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Willett Pot Still Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 3/6 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
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 Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve).