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Willett Pot Still Reserve vs David Nicholson Reserve
On paper Willett Pot Still Reserve and David Nicholson Reserve are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$45 – $60 vs. ~$30 – $40) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Willett Pot Still Reserve | David Nicholson Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $60 | ~$30 – $40 ~$18 less |
- Willett Pot Still Reserve and David Nicholson Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
David Nicholson Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Willett Pot Still Reserve David Nicholson Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/3 fruit: Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/5 sweetness: Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10, David Nicholson Reserve 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
- 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 Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it.
- Go with David Nicholson Reserve if you want a toasty, spicy, 100-proof value bourbon that stands up in cocktails.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve); old-fashioned, cocktails, rocks (David Nicholson Reserve).