Compare
Jim Beam Black vs David Nicholson 1843
Put Jim Beam Black next to David Nicholson 1843 and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a blender-built, high-wheat bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | David Nicholson 1843 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$5 less | ~$25 – $35 |
- Jim Beam Black and David Nicholson 1843 do not publish an official mash bill.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
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson 1843
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black David Nicholson 1843
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 3 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 4 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 7 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 3 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, David Nicholson 1843 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
- David Nicholson 1843: A long-running wheated label at 100 proof. Smooth vanilla and caramel with a soft, bready body and a touch more spice than you would expect from a wheater.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
- Go with David Nicholson 1843 if you want a smooth, 100-proof wheater with a long history.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (David Nicholson 1843).