The David Nicholson 1843 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a living piece of American whiskey history, a recipe that’s been preserved for nearly two centuries. Originally crafted in 1843 by St. Louis grocer David Nicholson, this bourbon became a local legend long before bourbon was fashionable. Today, distilled and bottled in Bardstown by Lux Row Distillers, the 1843 expression remains true to its original wheated recipe, smooth, rich, and timeless. The first sip feels like a warm nod from history itself: humble origins, masterfully perfected.

David Nicholson 1843 Kentucky Straight Bourbon 100 Proof (50% ABV)
Brand: David Nicholson | Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA | Vol: 750ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose:
Soft and inviting, aromas of honey, vanilla, and buttered corn mingle with notes of oak, toasted grain, and a hint of caramel apple. A classic bourbon bouquet that’s both comforting and refined.
Palate:
Creamy and rounded, showing layers of butterscotch, maple, and sweet corn. The wheated mash bill gives it a velvety texture and a mellow sweetness, balanced by gentle oak spice and a whisper of cocoa.
Finish:
Long, smooth, and warming. Flavors of vanilla cream, caramel, and baking spice fade slowly, leaving a honeyed glow that invites another sip.

Production Details:
Built on a wheated bourbon recipe, the 1843 replaces rye with wheat, lending a softer, sweeter character. It’s aged in new, charred American oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof, strong enough to carry flavor, yet refined enough for effortless sipping. Every batch honors the original 19th-century formula that’s been passed down through generations, unchanged in spirit and purpose.

Perfect For:
Perfect for bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate smoothness and history in equal measure. It’s an excellent everyday pour, approachable for newcomers, yet satisfying for seasoned whiskey lovers. Enjoy it neat on a quiet night or as the foundation for an elevated Old Fashioned.

Expert Notes:
Whiskey experts often describe David Nicholson 1843 as “one of the most underrated wheated bourbons on the market.” Its balance of sweetness, body, and proof make it a standout alternative to more famous wheated counterparts, a classic Kentucky profile with honest charm.

Customer Reviews:
“Smooth, buttery, and rich, like a cousin to Weller, but with more warmth.”
“My go-to weeknight bourbon. Easy to sip, hard to put down.”
“Pure old-school character. You can taste the heritage in every glass.”

Interesting Fact:
The David Nicholson brand was revived by Luxco after the recipe was discovered and preserved through the Stitzel-Weller lineage, the same heritage connected to legendary wheated bourbons like Old Fitzgerald and Pappy Van Winkle.

Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy neat or with a single large ice cube to soften the oak and highlight the caramel sweetness. For a twist, try it in a Wheated Old Fashioned, brown sugar syrup, two dashes of bitters, and an orange peel garnish to let the wheat’s smoothness shine.

Distillery Background:
Now produced by Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, the Bourbon Capital of the World, David Nicholson continues to honor its 1843 origins with authenticity and care. The distillery’s philosophy mirrors the bourbon itself: simplicity, integrity, and balance. The 1843 expression remains the cornerstone of the brand, a wheated Kentucky bourbon that delivers warmth, depth, and the enduring soul of American whiskey.

American Whiskey & Bourbon