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Old Grand-Dad 114 vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Old Grand-Dad 114 and David Nicholson Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Grand-Dad 114 | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 114 proof (57% ABV) +14 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 | ~$30 – $40 |
- Old Grand-Dad 114 and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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
Old Grand-Dad 114
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Grand-Dad 114 David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 9/6 spice: Old Grand-Dad 114 9 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 8/5 heat: Old Grand-Dad 114 8 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Old Grand-Dad 114 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Old Grand-Dad 114 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Old Grand-Dad 114: The best proof-per-dollar in American whiskey and it is not especially close. The 27% rye mash at 114 proof is loud, peppery and completely unsubtle, which is exactly why it makes such a good old-fashioned.
- 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 Grand-Dad 114 if you want maximum rye spice and proof for under thirty dollars.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Grand-Dad 114); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).