I first tried this spirit at Front Street Brewery in Wilmington, NC (See recent post). I have to say, at first David Nicholson 1843 has a bit of a kick and then you realize that it’s 100 proof. Ahhhhh now it makes sense. But upon the second sip I knew that I found a winner. But wait….let’s back it up “BRO-bons” (those are BROS that love bourbons. Maybe i’ll create my own hashtag) One must know the interesting history behind this glass of kick ass.
This one started in 1843 when St. Louis grocer David Nicholson began distilling an original bourbon whiskey recipe. It was well received by the libationists in the region. So much so that a reputation followed that even got the attention of Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle and W.L. Weller. (If you don’t know who they are you should go back to drinking Henry McKenna) The previously mentioned bourbon Gods acquired the brand and produced the recipe until the year 2000. Luxco grabbed it up and it has blown up since then. So much so that it won Double Gold distinction at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015.
This bourbon goes well with mixers since it is 100 proof but me being a “neat” fellow would just suggest swirling it around with an ice ball a few times before drinking. The water seems to calm the burn and allows the wood and char/vanilla flavors to blossom.
The price point for such a rich bourbon is incredible….just under $30! Hard to believe.
I give this one a 4 on a 5 scale.
Peace, love and bourbon.