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Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea vs David Nicholson Reserve
On paper Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea and David Nicholson Reserve are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$70 – $85 vs. ~$30 – $40) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $85 | ~$30 – $40 ~$43 less |
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/6 spice: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
- 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 Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).