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David Nicholson Reserve vs Yellowstone Select
Comparing David Nicholson Reserve and Yellowstone Select is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (100 vs. 93).
Key Specifications
| Feature | David Nicholson Reserve | Yellowstone Select |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +7 proof | 93 proof (46.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$10 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- David Nicholson Reserve and Yellowstone Select do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Yellowstone Select
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
David Nicholson Reserve Yellowstone Select
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/4 spice: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 4 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 5 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 6 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10, Yellowstone Select 2 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.
- Yellowstone Select: A revived historic brand from Limestone Branch. Light and creamy, with toasted oak, vanilla and peach and a short, peppery finish. Part of the proceeds support Yellowstone National Park.
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 Yellowstone Select if you want a light, creamy everyday sipper with a historic name.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve); rocks, highball, old-fashioned (Yellowstone Select).