Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon (125 Proof)

BUDGET HAZMAT SHOWDOWN Benchmark Full Proof Old Grand-Dad 114 Maker’s Mark Cask Strength I’ve always loved high-proof, barrel-strength “hazmat” bourbon. As I’ve written in other reviews, there’s a certain purity in drinking these, as they are bottled without dilution and essentially unadulterated straight from the barrel. I decided to pull three relatively inexpensive bottles from my collection to see which would be crowned Champion of Budget Hazmat Bourbon. While none of these approach the proof of many higher-end bourbons (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Booker’s are frequently 130 or higher, as are highly allocated bottles such as William Larue Weller), they are also far less expensive. The comparisons aren’t perfect, but a little empirical analysis is a good thing. Benchmark Full Proof (125 proof; $25) The Benchmark Full Proof (BFP), a Buffalo Trace product, shows a clear and classic mahogany color, essentially identical to the other two. The nose is sweet, with chocolate-covered cherries, vanilla, cigar box, pipe tobacco, and the expected ethanol; there’s no need to bury your nose in the glass and inhale deeply, unless you’re a nasal masochist. After tasting the other two, I get a cotton candy aromas as well. On the palate, there’s a light glycerin mouthfeel, and again, the expected ethanol. The finish is medium in length, and very smooth, with absolutely no tannic bitterness. It carries no age statement. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. Old Grand-Dad 114 (114 proof; $30) Old Grand-Dad 114 (OGD), a Jim Beam product, shows the same classic color as the BFP. The nose is quite different, with saddle leather, dried oranges, demerara sugar, a dusty element, and a subtle minty coolness, which likely stems from the high-rye mashbill (63% corn, 27% rye, 10% barley). Surprisingly, the alcohol comes across as strong or even stronger than the BFP, despite being 11 proof points lower. There’s more oakiness on the palate as well. The medium finish shows some rye spice, and like the BFP shows no bitterness. On the whole, it is not as sweet as the BFP. It too has no age statement. 3.75 on the Distiller scale. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (110.4 proof; $40) Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (MMCS) is of course a Maker’s Mark product, and is nearly identical in color to the the BFP and OBD. This particular bottle is the lowest proof of the three at 110.4; the company notes that the proof can vary from 108 to 114. The nose is between the BFP and OGD in terms of intensity, and offers caramel, Cocoa Puffs cereal, and brown sugar. The palate is warm and noticeably lighter than the other two, as might be expected by the lower proof, and has a pleasant rosin note. There is noticeable woody vanilla on the finish, more prominent than the BFP and OGD. It too is an NAS bourbon. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. Each of these are pleasant sippers on their own, and their high proofs would lend themselves well to a Manhattan or Old Fashioned (I’ve done both with the BFP and OGD). On the whole, the BFP is smoother and richer; the OGD a bit more rugged; and the MMCS more sophisticated. Each lack the complexity and intensity that I find in Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Booker’s; but both of those are more than double the price. I’ve always been a fan of OGD, and have referred to it as the best bang-for-the-buck on a proof basis. But next to the others, I’d push it to third place. The BFP and MMCS are both very good and somewhat different, but I’d give a slight edge to the BHP. N.B. All spirits tasted neat in Glencairn glasses.

The nose is full of smoky and fruity goodness, and strong alcohol, but not harsh. Luscious notes of candied dark fruits including plums, blackberries, black cherries, and Moon Drop grapes are perceived. Loads of sweetness in the form of brown sugar and butter on lightly toasted bread, vanilla bean, and even a dollop of honey. Plenty of spice, white pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne too. Charred oak is present throughout, as well as a hint of eucalyptus. Hot on the tongue, but in a good, mildly challenging way. Atomic FireBall candies explode in the mouth, followed by the black cherries from the nose accompanied by a savory sweet caramel syrup infused with pepper and herbs. There’s a bit of candied orange peel and honeycomb in there too. The body is sufficient with an above average, even oily, mouthfeel. But, there are absolutely no legs. The shortish finish is enjoyable. Fruit leather, praline nuts, smoked maple syrup, plus a touch of pipe tobacco and cocoa. With the amount of flavor this packs for the price, and for how well it stands up to ice, Full Proof is fool proof! Nose: 9 Taste: 9 Body: 7 Finish: 8

I just finished my first bottle and was delighted with the bourbon inside. The bourbon is from the Buffalo Trace distillery and is a very good low-cost high-proof bourbon. I bought this about two months ago and have sipped it and made several drinks from it. It is too hot for me to sip but with ice or water, it is better. On the nose, it is oaky and sweet with hints of vanilla and spice. It coats the glass nicely but is kind of thin. The first thing I taste is vanilla and then ethanol. The body was not as full as I thought it should be but it was not bad. The finish was nice and woody with notes of vanilla and caramel. Where this bourbon really shines is in drinks like the Old Fashion and Manhattans. The drinks are very strong so have your big boy drinking pants on. The flavor is great as the bourbon holds its own in both of these drinks. Overall, this is a solid high-proof bourbon and is well worth trying. I do want to try all of the different bourbons in this line.

Stumbled across this Idaho "treasure hunt" bottle for $22.95, and didn't hesitate. Tasting neat. Golden brown straw color and thin legs in the glass. Nose is vanilla, sweet grain, and a little ethanol and tannic oak in the background. In the mouth, burnt sugar, caramel, vanilla, ethanol burst, then dry tannic oak. Good oily mouth feel and then tingling rye spiciness that takes you into the finish which is sweet grass, mint, dry astringent oak, and a little sour as it settles. An ice cube tames the ethanol, taps down the mouthfeel, and heightens the sweetness, making it... kinda boring, but not bad. Very much the same flavor profile as the other Benchmarks I've had (old #8, single barrel, bottled in bond), but amped up at 125 proof. Will hold up well in mixed drinks with other strong flavors. At this price, for a 125 proof bourbon, I'd buy this to mix all day long. Such a $ deal if you can find it.

Note: Neck pour off this bottle this is. Caramel is the firat and strongest smell. There is a heat or spice that is shows up. The taste is HOT and spicy, continuing into a lengthy finish. Digging deep there is caramel flavors and a touch of honey. But those are quickly overwhelmed by the heat this has. I can alao say it has some oak in ther but damn it's hot. Stopped and added a small cube. After adding the cube I get a smokey flavor off the nose and it follows through with it in the taste. It has a nice caramel and sweetness to it. Overall, it is a rough whiskey. If you want to feel alive, go for this whiskey. I will likely mix this.

Poured in a Glencairn and allowed to open up before tasting. Strong ethanol on the nose that mellows with hints of dark red cherry, vanilla and caramel as it opens up. The ethanol hits the palate first, but is quickly mellowed somewhat by the caramel, vanilla and dried fruit. Long finish with dark cherry and vanilla notes to go along woth the heat. Make no mistake this is not a shooter. It drinks hot, but not 62.5% hot. And the heat is nicely balanced with the aforementioned flavors, making this a pleasant neat sipper.