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Four Roses Small Batch Select vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Four Roses Small Batch Select 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 Small Batch Select | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 6 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) +4 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$30 – $40 ~$25 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 Small Batch Select
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Small Batch Select David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 8/3 fruit: Four Roses Small Batch Select 8 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Four Roses Small Batch Select 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Four Roses Small Batch Select 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Four Roses Small Batch Select: Six recipes, non-chill-filtered, at 104 proof, and the most complete thing Four Roses makes at a normal price. The house fruit character with enough proof and texture to carry it.
- 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 Small Batch Select if you want the fullest expression of the Four Roses fruit-forward style without chasing an allocated bottle with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Four Roses Small Batch Select); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).