Benchmark No. 8 Bourbon

Continuing to work through the non-yet-reviewed whiskies in my collection. And continuing with my Pantone color experiment: Benchmark No. 8 also aligning closely to a clear Pantone 152 through my eyes. (See: https://www.pantone-colours.com). Nose predominantly oak, vanilla, and corn, with a touch of caramel. Noticeable ethanol on the nose, despite the mild 80 proof. There is a subtle viscosity on the palate, with some creamed corn and some pleasant cinnamon spice. Alcohol makes an appearance again. The finish is short to medium, with vanilla and a touch of bitterness on the back end. Benchmark No. 8 is not a sipping whiskey; and it's not really a cocktail whiskey either (I prefer higher-proof bourbon for that). It typically can be found for less than $20. But for just a few dollars more, you could have Elijah Craig Small Batch, which is 14 proof higher, and a far better bourbon. Benchmark is young and unpolished. It's not offensive, and doesn't really have any sharp edges, but at only 80 proof, it's not much of a value either. I'd certainly drink it, but wouldn't keep one on hand other than to say you've had it. 2.5 stars on the Distiller scale. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

You could do worse, but you could do a whole lot better. If Buffalo Trace is what you're after, just pay the extra ten dollars for actual Buffalo Trace and have something leagues better. Benchmark isn't bad, but I can't honestly call it good either. If you can't find another BF product with the same mashbill in your area, this won't really scratch the itch, so don't bother. It's most redeeming quality is including in double blind tastings for friends to have a curve ball in the mix. At $12, it's not a waste, but life's too short for disappointing bourbon.

It isnt great, but it is honestly good. Pretty standard bourbon notes, kind of sweetish. However, this is friggin’ cheap! I would put this up against pretty much any other whiskey at its price point, and be very confident, that this is better. I dont consider it a sipping whiskey, because it is not very complex, but it makes a very fine mixed drink. I do want to try some of the higher proof iterations (Bonded, Barrel Proof, and some others) of this, if I can ever get my hands on them.

Nose: You have to really work hard to get anything from the nose, soft aromas of honey and vanilla. Palate: Thin with sweet vanilla, very simple. Finish: Grain, showing off it's young age but not harsh. Benchmark is appropriately named: a middle-of-the-road Bourbon that isn't bad and isn't great. It feels very standard. As a bottom-shelf bottle, there's good value here as a budget sipper.

A bottom shelf $12 bourbon that delivers what you’d expect. It’s very light in color, proof, and complexity. Earthy barrel with the smallest hint of vanilla. Its too light to use as a mixer. Id rather spend double, even for daily sipping. So, not sure were this would fit in a collection. And if you’re lookong for an available bourbon with hints of buffalo trace flavor, look elsewhere.

It really isn't that bad, and for the price, it's a great deal. There's pine like sweetness then coming into some oak and leather which takes over. All the while a bit of an apple note resides in the back and it slowly dissipates. It's thin, leaves little to nothing on the back end. Better than you'd expect for the price. That being said it's just a little below average pour.