David Nicholson Reserve Bourbon

DAVID NICHOLSON RESERVE *SMELL: Wood, Peanut Husks, Citrus Cream, Sweet Wood, Dried Grass, and a Whisper of Autumn Spice. Uncomplicated, yet pleasant. *STRAIGHT: Sweet Cream, Citrus Zest, Faint Wood, Mildly Astringent Tannins, accompanied by a Zesty Kick. A gentle, developing Kentucky embrace leaving a delicate film of Bitter Wood, Citrus Essence, and Peanut Shell on the tongue. Typical of Heaven Hill. *WITH WATER: A touch of water transforms this into Pure Vanilla Cream. *CONCLUSION: I frequently encounter this labeled as "High Rye." If this expression, based on my taste and all available data, originates from Heaven Hill, it would suggest a 10% rye content. This is hardly what I'd classify as "high rye," unless compared to Nicholson's other offering (1843), which contains NO rye. While there's a certain peppery quality present, I believe it stems more from the alcohol content and barrel aging location rather than the rye percentage. It's quite enjoyable and perfectly suitable served neat, on ice, or in a cocktail. The primary drawback for me is its cost. The mid-$30s price point makes it unappealing given the abundance of equally good or superior spirits in that same bracket. Choices like Knob Creek (9-year and 100 proof), Wild Turkey 101 ($10 cheaper), Old Grand-Dad 114 (truly "High Rye"), Dickel Bourbon (8-year age statement), and Jack Daniel's Bottled-in-Bond (100 proof and my current top pick for best new spirit this year) come to mind immediately as better alternatives, and I'm sure there are others. It was worth sampling to satisfy my curiosity, but not exceptional enough to justify purchasing again.

I was taken aback because I didn't anticipate much from this. I'd passed this bottle countless times, and since I'm constantly seeking affordable, acceptable bourbon, I finally gave in and purchased it. The aroma presents butterscotch and vanilla, accompanied by some spice and oak. Typical bourbon scents – quite agreeable. The taste is zesty, with the abundant rye creating a tingling sensation. Melted caramel and ample barrel influence are also present. It's slightly lacking in body, but the flavors are robust. The finish offers a traditional sweet caramel and oak fade, with the spice lingering the longest. While it's not revolutionary, it's a worthwhile purchase if you enjoy a bourbon that's spicy but not hot. I'd still prefer WT101, but this isn't terrible at all... 79/100... I'm rather fond of the container as well. It inspires me to try the 1843 wheated expression again.

I found this to be a very average bottle. Nothing negative, but nothing remarkable either. It possesses a slight nuttiness reminiscent of a certain distillery's products. I detect a bit of spice and some oak. At $25, it's a reasonable value, but it struggles to stand out from similar offerings from that same distillery which are an even better deal and taste alike.

The aroma perfectly forecasts the palate, which is earthy raw peanut. There's a jolt of rye spice and a lingering herbal bitterness. This one is somewhat hot and certainly not very smooth. The flavor profile isn't dull, but I'm uncertain if it's one I love. A few more servings will be needed before I can give my final opinion.

I remain impressed with this bourbon. Compared against other bourbons, it ranked second, closely following one of them. It was slightly less sweet and had a less intricate flavor profile, but its price is unbeatable!

Appearance: orangey copper. Nose: faint cereal grain aroma. Straight: light on the palate; a touch of vanilla followed by significant spice; a long, hot finish. With ice: water and ice reveal the sugar and vanilla; the finish remains spicy.