A little background
David Nicholson Reserve is a sourced “extra-aged ryed” bourbon from Luxco. According to the Luxco website, David Nicholson created the famed “43” bourbon recipe in the back room of a grocery store in St. Louis, Missouri. That wheated bourbon recipe would be passed down for almost two centuries. Today that product is on the shelves labeled as David Nicholson 1843. Unlike 1843, the Reserve is a high-rye bourbon. The specific distiller of this whiskey is unknown, as is the mash bill and age statement. What we do know is that it’s bottled at 50% ABV and costs around $40.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Rust / Copper
Nose
The nose is light and pleasant, with hints of peanuts, honey, vanilla, and toffee. More subtle scents of baking spice and gingerbread are present as well.
Palate
The nutty flavors from the nose carry right over to the palate, along with the toffee, vanilla, and gingerbread. There is very little body to the palate and is distinctively thin and non-viscous.
Finish
The finish is decently long, thin, and spicy. Much of the peanut nuttiness lingers around for a while too, along with a very noticeable drying effect.
In closing
Truth be told, right out of the gate on the nose I was pleasantly impressed with David Nicholson Reserve. If you’re looking for great value bottles in the sub $40 dollar category, I’d say this bottle is for you. This is a peanut forward bourbon that’s well balanced and full of great flavors. What it isn’t is a complex bourbon with a rich and oily mouthfeel. That’s okay though, as this bottle is fairly priced at around $40 bucks and a great value at that. Would I pick up a bottle for my own collection, you bet.
The sample used for this review was provided to us by Cask Cartel. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review this bourbon. Want to try David Nicholson Reserve for yourself? We’ve placed a “Buy Now” button below for your convenience.
David Nicholson Reserve
David Nicholson Reserve
The Good
- Availability
- Great nose
- Peanut forward
The Bad
- Thin on the palate
- Not overly complex
Complexity
2.5
Nose
0.5
Palate
0.5
Finish
0.5
Value
0
I didn’t care for this whiskey at all, even mixing couldn’t cover the flavor. At least a third of the bottle went down the drain. Over priced, I’ve found $12whisky that were better.
Thanks for the comment! I can totally see how this could be a “like it or hate it” bottle. For me, it was very peanut forward and pretty thin. I personally enjoyed the flavors and would drink it again. To each their own. That’s what I love about whiskey…we all have our own opinions and trying things is the best way to know if it’s for you! Question. What’s the $12 bottle of choice? Cheers!
Complexity
3.5
Nose
4
Palate
6
Finish
5.5
Value
5.5
I taste a lot of bourbons. Truly have my favorites. I have read some of the reviews of this one. I dont knock anyone for their encounters. But, I see this bourbon (along with its wheat brother) pretty damn good.
I get the bitter, but I welcome the taste over sweet bourbons. I get notes of gingerbread spice, toffee and some vanilla. Balanced and not overbearing.
One of favorites now.