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However, Benchmark bourbon might not be for you if you’re looking for complexity and depth of character. While the Stitzel-Weller Distillery closed its doors in 1972, Benchmark Bourbon continued to be crafted using the original recipe handed down through generations. Rich and complex notes: From the first sip to the last, you’ll discover a symphony of flavors, including hints of caramel, vanilla, oak, and just a touch of spice.
Finish: Lingering oak spice couples with a bit of leather. There’s a bit of residual caramelized sugar for sweetness. The fruit notes kind of disappear on the finish, which is disappointing, but sometimes I feel like I can still taste a bit of the apples from the palate. How often do we see a brand go from one “bottom shelf” bourbon to a whole new line of bourbons all at once? Not very often. But here they are, the McAfee Brothers Benchmark Bourbon Collection; 5 new bourbons all released at the same time. Beginning in late 2020, these bourbons became available, but only in Indiana. I’m not sure of the rationale behind that, but Buffalo Trace/ Sazerac generally knows what they are doing. Since then, their distribution has become much more widespread. However, at the time, this new set of bourbons intrigued me, so I drove to Indiana to get them! Benchmark Bourbon Was Named After The McAfee Brothers In this personal blog, I share my knowledge and insights on Whisky, Whiskey & Bourbon and other spirits, drawing from my 30 years of extensive experience.Finish: White pepper and cinnamon spice build throughout the finish; some rye spices and a bit of sweet fruit and brown sugar continue; moderate overall spiciness; fairly long finish with a moderate burn; dry wood increases towards the end and lingers Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon isn’t the first full proof bourbon by Buffalo Trace. The brand also produces Weller Full Proof, which while bottled at 114 proof, is also bottled at the same proof that it enters the barrel at. Sazerac, who owns Buffalo Trace, also owns Barton 1792 Distillery, which produces 1792 Full Proof that follows the same premise. While full proof aren’t quite barrel proof bourbons, they certainly compete in the same category as other high proof and barrel proof bourbons available in the market. This includes Knob Creek Single Barrel, Booker’s, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and numerous other brands that fit this definition. However, when mixed with ice, the heat and pepperiness are subdued, making it somewhat more palatable. Benchmark Bourbon offers exceptional value for money with its affordable elegance. This distinguished brand brings a touch of sophistication to any occasion without breaking the bank. Here’s why Benchmark Bourbon stands out as the go-to choice for those seeking high-quality bourbon at an unbeatable price. Every batch of Benchmark Bourbon starts with filtered water sourced from natural limestone springs, providing the ideal mineral content necessary for the desired taste profile.
What makes Benchmark Bourbon so special is its remarkable smoothness. Each sip seamlessly glides across the palate, leaving a velvety texture that delights the senses. The carefully selected blend of corn, barley, and rye creates a harmonious marriage of flavors, resulting in a whiskey that is incredibly enjoyable and incredibly smooth. Dark Chocolate and Red Wine: Indulge in the divine union of velvety smooth dark chocolate and a robust red wine. The deep, complex notes of the chocolate harmonize flawlessly with the fruity undertones of the wine, creating a decadent combination that will transport you to a world of pure gastronomic bliss. – Exceptional Value for Money: Benchmark Bourbon’s Affordable Elegance The complex flavors of citrus and caramel complement the notes of baking spice and oak. Benchmark Top Floor Indulge in the luscious sweetness of our carefully selected grains, providing a velvety texture that glides across the palate.In August of this year, Buffalo Trace quietly released a revamped lineup of their bottom-shelf staple, Benchmark Bourbon. For years, Benchmark wore no age statement and was watered down to a measly 80 proof. Instead, this bottle seems to incorporate all of the best traits of a Buffalo Trace product while somehow skipping over the bad that could come with a young, high proof bourbon. Benchmark Top-Floor, bottled at 86-proof, is well-rounded and smooth to drink straight with hints of baking spice, sweet citrus, and oak and butterscotch. Compared with regular Benchmark: the flavors are similar but are more full and pronounced in the Small Batch. The dryness at the end also is more apparent. Many of the others in the line offer more complexity or more pronounced pleasant flavors. I would suggest that if this is the only one of the Benchmark line that have tried, and you loved it, then great! However, if you didn’t, you might find it worthwhile to try one of the others in the Benchmark Bourbon line.