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Michter's US*1 Small Batch vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Michter's US*1 Small Batch and David Nicholson Reserve is a closer contest than it looks — both are traditional bourbons, separated mainly by proof (91.4 vs. 100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter's US*1 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 | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$30 – $40 ~$15 less |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter's US*1 Small Batch David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/5 sweetness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 4/6 spice: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
- 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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).