![]() Would I pay double the price for this? Probably not, however, if you are like me and like high proof bourbon, you’re not going to find a better value for a 120+ proof bourbon in the $20-$30 range, period. As such, this is a more obtainable bourbon in the markets that you can find it in. While the Benchmark line has gained in popularity, it’s nowhere near as popular as other Buffalo Trace staples such as the Blanton’s line, Weller line, Eagle Rare, and the like. In a sea of ever rising prices, Benchmark Full Proof is still affordable to all bourbon drinkers. Buffalo Trace really should be commended for this bourbon’s price. This is helped by the fact that it’s one of the only 120+ proof bourbons by a major Kentucky distillery in its price range. Add in the fact that this is 125 proof, and it’s arguably, dollar for dollar, one of the best high proof bourbons for under $30. Amazingly, this value-based bourbon does a remarkably good job of delivering an overall above average pour for less than $25. There’s no denying that Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon can’t compete with the likes of Weller Full Proof when it comes to the overall sip delivered. ![]() That’s not necessarily a bad thing, more of a realization that this bottle does have an upper limit, and it’s already bumping against it. It’s well-composed and displays classic bourbon notes, but lacks the necessary components to make it stand out and take it to the next level. ![]() Ultimately, Benchmark delivers a sip that, while above average, has a hard time differentiating itself from other high proof bourbons out there. This includes Knob Creek Single Barrel, Booker’s, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and numerous other brands that fit this definition. 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. Sazerac, who owns Buffalo Trace, also owns Barton 1792 Distillery, which produces 1792 Full Proof that follows the same premise. 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. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)ģ | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)Ģ | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)ġ | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co.Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon isn’t the first full proof bourbon by Buffalo Trace. Overall: The full proof doesn’t disappoint and is definitely my favorite of the vertical (although the SiB and BiB both put up good showings).ġ0 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)ĩ | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)Ĩ | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)ħ | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)Ħ | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)ĥ | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)Ĥ | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Mouthfeel is oily, creamy, and very filling, with spice that keeps developing but never detracts from the flavors.įinish: Finish keeps the spiced chocolate going, tingle continues for quite awhile - mouthwatering. Cherries, chocolate, tip-of-tongue heat that rolls over the tongue. Spiced chocolate develops into Mexican hot chocolate. ![]() Nose: Spice drop candies, fruity, especially orchard and stone fruits. At around 20, these Benchmarks are fruity, sweet bourbons for casual drinking. I guess enough people are trying to will it into Stagg Jr Jr. ![]() Sounds like it is being overpriced in your area, too. I was surprised, since it is usually 22 around here. The “Full Proof” (like with Barton’s 1792) refers to the maximum proof at which distillate can be barreled in the US, not to be confused with barrel strength/cask strength, barrel proof, or similar terms.Įye: Amber-honey, thin rims and medium legs. I saw Benchmark Full Proof in a shop the other day marked up to 35. Of the 6-part vertical, this was my favorite, with the bottled-in-bond coming in second. What can I say…I’m a high proof lover, and this was no exception. ![]()
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