David Nicholson Reserve is a rye based bourbon bottled at 100 proof. Extra age means extra flavor in the world of Bourbon. On the nose, loads of vanilla, toffee, and spice. On the taste, wood spice, vanilla, caramel and soft fruit dovetailed nicely with rye. The finish is pleasantly long with spice and vanilla fading slowly. TASTING NOTESThe phrase "high-rye bourbon" is a popular one these days, so a new one coming in at 100-proof is bound to pique interest. The David Nicholson Reserve is strikingly well-balanced, with neither too much spice nor off-putting oak. It has just the amount of vanilla with a hint of char and a long, sweet finish. It would make a delightful Old Fashioned or Manhattan, and is also very enjoyable sipped neat. Appearance: Solid amber with glimmers of candy corn orange. Long, resilient legs. Just short of brilliant with a barely-visible cloudiness. Nose: The candied rye spiciness is the first thing to come across through initial deep inhales. Old leather with a touch of lavender builds up the strong mid-inhale. Apple skins, earth, and minerality linger in the nose. Impressive how the heat is present in every sniff, yet it doesn’t burn – it just adds character in the boldest, yet gentlest way. Palate: It hits the lips and tongue with a sharp sweetness which doesn’t last very long, just enough to remind you what type of beverage you’re drinking. A husky bitterness washes over the palate next, bringing flavors of sun-scorched hay, a wisp of vanilla essence, white pepper, and the earthiness of brown butter. The legs get layered and sticky after a few sips. Lingering toffee notes allow the drink to be enjoyed for minutes after each sip.
