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Jack Daniel’s 12 Year vs David Nicholson Reserve
On paper Jack Daniel’s 12 Year and David Nicholson Reserve are near neighbours — both traditional Tennessee whiskeys — so price (~$80 – $120 vs. ~$30 – $40) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jack Daniel’s 12 Year | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Tennessee Whiskey | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 107 proof (53.5% ABV) +7 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$80 – $120 | ~$30 – $40 ~$65 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- David Nicholson Reserve does 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
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/5 sweetness: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 8 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
fruit 6/3 fruit: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 8 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Jack Daniel’s 12 Year 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- Jack Daniel’s 12 Year: Twelve-year Jack Daniel's at 107 proof. Sweet and creamy, with butterscotch, pipe tobacco and seasoned oak.
- 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 Jack Daniel’s 12 Year if you want a sweet, creamy, well-aged Jack Daniel's with pipe tobacco and oak with slightly more proof behind it.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jack Daniel’s 12 Year); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).