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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs David Nicholson Reserve
Comparing Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and David Nicholson Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$30 – $40 ~$500 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/5 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 3/6 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
- 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 Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
- 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 (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).