The David Nicholson Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a bold and timeless whiskey that embodies the unshakable spirit of Kentucky craftsmanship. With roots tracing back to 1843 in St. Louis, where grocer David Nicholson first crafted his signature bourbon recipe, this modern expression carries forward that 19th-century heritage with a richer, spicier twist. Now produced at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, this 100-proof bourbon is the perfect union of power and poise, a sip of living American history refined for the modern palate.

David Nicholson Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon 100 Proof (50% ABV)
Brand: David Nicholson | Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Vol: 750ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose:
Inviting and layered, aromas of vanilla bean, toasted oak, and caramel are laced with subtle spice and a hint of dried fruit. It’s warm, familiar, and complex, promising richness from the first pour.
Palate:
Full-bodied and smooth despite its strength. The first sip delivers waves of toffee, honey, and cinnamon, balanced by peppery rye spice and dark chocolate undertones. A creamy mouthfeel and elegant oak structure create both depth and approachability.
Finish:
Long, warm, and satisfying, notes of caramel, charred oak, and baking spice linger beautifully, leaving a refined, lasting impression.

Production Details:
Distilled and aged in Kentucky, this bourbon is crafted from a high-rye mash bill, giving it a distinctive balance between sweetness and spice. Matured in new, charred American oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof, it captures the bold character of traditional bourbon while maintaining the smoothness that defines the David Nicholson name. Every drop pays homage to the recipe that’s been passed down for generations, heritage preserved, power perfected.

Perfect For:
Perfect for bourbon lovers who crave intensity with finesse. Enjoy it neat for its full-bodied warmth, on the rocks for slow sipping, or in a robust cocktail like a Manhattan or Boulevardier. It’s equally at home in a cigar lounge as it is beside a campfire.

Expert Notes:
Whiskey experts celebrate David Nicholson Reserve for its rich, layered flavor and impeccable balance at 100 proof. It’s often described as “a whiskey that drinks beyond its price”, big on structure, generous in flavor, and endlessly rewarding.

Customer Reviews:
“Strong yet silky, a perfect proof point. My new daily sipper.”
“Sweet caramel up front, spice in the finish. Classic Kentucky craftsmanship.”
“If you want a bourbon with real backbone, this is it.”

Interesting Fact:
The original David Nicholson bourbon recipe dates back to 1843, making it one of the oldest continuously recognized bourbon brands in America. Its legacy was eventually carried forward by Lux Row Distillers, ensuring that the name lives on with the same integrity it started with nearly two centuries ago.

Serving Suggestions:
Best enjoyed neat or with a single large ice cube. A splash of water opens up notes of brown sugar and vanilla cream. For cocktails, it shines in an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Smash, where its high proof stands up beautifully to citrus and sweetness.

Distillery Background:
Produced by Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country, David Nicholson continues to represent the golden standard of Kentucky craftsmanship. The Reserve expression stands as the bolder sibling of the iconic David Nicholson 1843, showcasing a high-rye spice profile that’s rich, robust, and unmistakably classic. This is bourbon made the old way, honest, hearty, and built to last.