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Stagg vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Stagg and David Nicholson Reserve reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Stagg | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130 proof (65% ABV) +30 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $120 | ~$30 – $40 ~$60 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Stagg and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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
Stagg
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Stagg David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/5 heat: Stagg 10 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: Stagg 9 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/5 sweetness: Stagg 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Stagg 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Stagg 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Stagg 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Stagg: Uncut and unfiltered Buffalo Trace at a proof that demands respect. Dark chocolate, espresso and charred oak arrive with genuine heat, and a few drops of water unlock a surprising amount of fruit.
- 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 Stagg if you want the biggest, hottest, most concentrated expression of the Buffalo Trace profile with significantly more proof behind it.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Stagg); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).