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Jefferson’s Very Small Batch vs David Nicholson Reserve
On paper Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and David Nicholson Reserve are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so proof (82.3 vs. 100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +18 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $36 | ~$30 – $40 |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/5 heat: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
- 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 Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).