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Evan Williams Black Label vs David Nicholson 1843
Comparing Evan Williams Black Label and David Nicholson 1843 reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a sourced, wheated blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | David Nicholson 1843 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$14 less | ~$25 – $35 |
- David Nicholson 1843 does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson 1843
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label David Nicholson 1843
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/5 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 7 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 3 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 3 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
- David Nicholson 1843: A long-running wheated label at 100 proof. Smooth vanilla and caramel with a soft, bready body and a touch more spice than you would expect from a wheater.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a lower price point.
- Go with David Nicholson 1843 if you want a smooth, 100-proof wheater with a long history.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (David Nicholson 1843).