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Old Forester 86 Proof vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and David Nicholson Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$12 less | ~$30 – $40 |
- David Nicholson Reserve does 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
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/6 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
- 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 Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).