David Nicholson Reserve Bourbon 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV) high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon in a 750ml bottle, produced by Lux Row Distillers. This expression earned a Double Gold medal and Best Straight Bourbon at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, firmly establishing its reputation among bourbon enthusiasts seeking bold, rye-forward character at a compelling proof point. Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Style: High-Rye Straight Bourbon | Distillery: Lux Row Distillers Production & Heritage The David Nicholson name traces back to a 19th-century St. Louis grocer who sold his own private-label bourbon — a piece of American whiskey lore that gives the brand genuine historical weight. Today, the Reserve expression is produced under the Lux Row Distillers umbrella in Kentucky and uses a high-rye mashbill, distinguishing it from its sibling, David Nicholson 1843, which follows a wheated recipe. The bourbon is aged in charred American oak barrels, and the decision to bottle at a full 100 proof allows the rye-driven spice and barrel influence to come through without dilution. Tasting Notes Aroma: Vanilla and honey lead the nose, followed by toasted oak and a thread of light smokiness. There is an inviting warmth underneath, hinting at the barrel char and the rye grain's peppery edge. Taste: The entry is sweet with honey and a touch of chocolate, quickly giving way to woody, smoky tones at mid-palate. Rye spice builds steadily and integrates with oak-driven tannins, creating a layered drinking experience that rewards attention. Finish: Full-bodied and toasty, with lingering oak, mild baking spice, and a whisper of sweetness. The finish runs long for its class, with the 100-proof backbone keeping the flavors present well after each sip. How to Drink David Nicholson Reserve At 100 proof, this bourbon stands up well neat but also opens nicely with a few drops of water or a single large ice cube to release the honey and vanilla aromatics. Its high-rye backbone makes it a strong cocktail candidate as well. Old Fashioned: The rye spice and oak character cut through the sugar and bitters, producing a balanced, full-flavored classic. Manhattan: The bourbon's smoky sweetness and peppery finish complement sweet vermouth without getting lost in the mix. Boulevardier: The 100-proof strength holds its own against Campari's bitterness, and the honey notes add depth to the cocktail. Best For Bourbon drinkers exploring high-rye mashbills at barrel-proof-adjacent strength Gifting someone who appreciates double gold award-winning bourbon Building a home bar with versatile, cocktail-friendly whiskey Side-by-side tastings comparing high-rye vs. wheated bourbon styles (pair with David Nicholson 1843) Frequently Asked Questions What does David Nicholson Reserve taste like? David Nicholson Reserve delivers a flavor profile centered on honey, vanilla, and smoky oak, with a pronounced rye spice that builds through the mid-palate. The finish is toasty and full-bodied with lingering warmth from the 100-proof bottling strength. How does David Nicholson Reserve compare to 1792 Small Batch? Both are Kentucky straight bourbons with high-rye mashbills, and they are frequently compared by enthusiasts who note similarities in their spice-forward profiles. David Nicholson Reserve is bottled at a higher 100 proof compared to 1792 Small Batch's 93.7 proof, giving it a bolder mouthfeel and more intense barrel influence. Is David Nicholson Reserve good for sipping neat? Yes — the 100-proof strength delivers concentrated flavor without being harsh, and the interplay of honey sweetness and rye spice makes it a rewarding neat pour. A splash of water can further soften the palate for those who prefer a gentler experience. Where is David Nicholson Reserve made? David Nicholson Reserve is a Kentucky straight bourbon produced under the Lux Row Distillers operation. The brand itself has roots dating back to 19th-century St. Louis, where David Nicholson originally sold bourbon from his grocery store. What foods pair well with David Nicholson Reserve? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the bourbon's smoky oak notes. Dark chocolate truffles echo the subtle cocoa tones on the palate. Aged cheddar or Gruyère plays well against the rye spice, while pecan pie mirrors the honey and toasted nut character. Chargrilled steak with a peppercorn crust matches the bourbon's bold proof and spicy finish. What sizes does David Nicholson Reserve come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle. Is David Nicholson Reserve worth the price? David Nicholson Reserve positions as a mid-range bourbon that punches above its price tier, particularly given its 100-proof strength and Double Gold recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For drinkers seeking a high-rye, full-proof bourbon without entering premium territory, it represents strong value. Why David Nicholson Reserve? The combination of a high-rye mashbill bottled at an uncompromising 100 proof sets David Nicholson Reserve apart from the crowded field of mid-shelf Kentucky bourbons. Its Double Gold medal and Best Straight Bourbon title at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — one of the spirits industry's most competitive blind-tasting events — provide third-party validation that goes beyond marketing claims. The bourbon also occupies a useful niche for drinkers who want to compare rye-forward and wheat-forward styles side by side, as it pairs naturally against its own stablemate, the wheated 1843 expression. For those who value proof, flavor density, and proven competition credentials, this bottle earns serious consideration.
