David Nicholson 1843 is a Luxo brand, distilled by Heaven Hill, that’s mostly available around the St. Louis area and a bit in the surrounding states, but doesn’t spread much further. It definitely doesn’t make its way to Los Angeles, which is why I had to rely on the kindness of internet strangers to get a sample and taste this whiskey I see in posts but never on shelves.
In David Nicholson’s Words: David Nicholson 1843
“A ‘wheated’ bourbon that provides an exceptionally smooth flavor and finish. Winner of the Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirits competition, 1843®’s award-winning taste is appreciated from coast to coast.
NOSE
Rich scents of honey and butter are followed by subtle hints of vanilla and oak.PALATE
Exceptionally smooth to start, followed by woody, smoky overtones, with a long, warm finish with a touch of spice.”
Being a wheated mashbill distilled by Heaven Hill this is the same whiskey that used to go in Old Fitz and now goes into Larceny and Rebel Yell. It’s a good whiskey and at $30 it’s also a good value. Without a doubt if it was available in CA I’d have a bottle on my shelf, but I don’t so we have to settle for this sample and the David Nicholson 1843 review below.
David Nicholson 1843 Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Heaven Hill
Bottler: Luxco
Mashbill: Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: NAS (4+ years)
ABV: 50%
Price: ~$30
David Nicholson 1843 Review
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Sweet oaky and roasty aroma: Oak, caramel, roasted grain and dark fruit with bits of cinnamon, brown sugar and a touch of peanut oil and honey.
PALATE
Spicy oaky and toasty flavor: Heavy oak, spice, toasted bread and layers of molasses, peanuts, pie crust and a bit of butter, grain and dark fruit.
FINISH
Long dissolve of oak, dark fruit, dark sweets, peanuts and spice.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, medium body and a weighty feel.
OVERALL
David Nicholson 1843 is a happy whiskey. No I’m not drunk either, nor am I high, this is the only drink I’ve had today and I’m still sipping on the sample while writing this. It has a pleasant connecting balance from the nose to the finish and is enjoyable all around. I wish it was available in Los Angeles because this is a killer deal at about $30!
The aroma and palate are rustic and warm and carry notes that scream BOURBON; it has a richness that isn’t overpowering, but inviting and a bit surprising. Being a wheatear I wasn’t expecting the David Nicholson 1843 to be as spicy as it is, but it’s a fantastic dimension to pair up with the sweet, oak, toasty and roasty character that presides over the dram as a whole. This whiskey is, in a word, delightful.
SCORE: 88/100 (B+)
Thanks to /u/rhinusdax for the sample
