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Four Roses Single Barrel vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Four Roses Single Barrel and David Nicholson Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Single Barrel | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$30 – $40 ~$15 less |
- David Nicholson Reserve 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
Four Roses Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Single Barrel David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 7/3 fruit: Four Roses Single Barrel 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
spice 8/6 spice: Four Roses Single Barrel 8 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Four Roses Single Barrel 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Four Roses Single Barrel 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Four Roses Single Barrel 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Four Roses Single Barrel 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Four Roses Single Barrel: The OBSV recipe on its own at 100 proof — the highest-rye mash Four Roses uses, paired with their most floral yeast. Cherry and clove in equal measure, and a genuinely distinctive glass.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Four Roses Single Barrel if you want the most expressive, spice-and-fruit-forward single recipe in the Four Roses range.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Four Roses Single Barrel); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).