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Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs David Nicholson Reserve
On paper Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and David Nicholson Reserve are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$55 – $65 vs. ~$30 – $40) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$30 – $40 ~$25 less |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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 Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/3 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
- 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 Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof.
- 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 Reserve Very Old); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).