Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon (125 Proof)

It’s a great value and got Better with sitting. I think it’s hard to not give it a higher score based on the value alone. You’re getting some great taste with this, unexpectedly

Tasted neat from a glencairn after several minutes rest. The nose opens with vanilla & caramel accented by a shimmer of latex paint. There's a bit of tart cherry and alcohol. This presents a bit better than it reads offering up satisfying traditional bourbon aromatics but revealing its heat early. This is a reasonably good bourbon sipped neat. It opens with sweet caramel, ginger, and tart cherry that gives way to ample black pepper, cinnamon and alcohol heat. The finish is long and warming. There's a lemon citrus sourness to the mid-palate that leaves a bitter, dry aftertaste. It's not unpleasant, but it is a bit unruly. This is okay, but not something I'll buy again. if I want high proof horsepower I'd rather come up with another $5 and spring for an Old Grand Dad 114. I haven't tried the Benchmark in this application, but I think the OGD might be a better choice for a Mule or Highball. There's an affinity between OGD and ginger. I suspect the Benchmark would be a better choice for a sour or collins. Buffalo Trace is a great mixer in any drink with lemons but suffers from s slightly underpowered proof. Problem solved here at a good price and with reasonable availability. In a sbs when tasted neat I like the Benchmark marginally more than Old Tub. The OT has a better nose, but the proof of the BMFP brings an intensity of flavor that's tough to beat for the price. Mind you I've been buying OT at $16.99, at $23 I think the BM wins the day. I've not tried this in a Manhattan yet, but when I do I'll report back.

2.5 out of 5 on the first crack. With some oxidation; a 3.1 out of 5. It gets better with time. I compared a bottle opened 4 weeks ago, to a fresh crack last night. A night and day difference! This Bourbon isn’t Stagg Jr./George T.. but it isn’t a Slouch! It needs to be tamed down a tad bit with a little bit of air or water. There are some vintage (BTAC) vibes faintly hiding deep in the back of the dram. There’s something special about this mash bill #1 pour, especially for the overall value. It has some harsh rough edges because of it’s youthful age, but you wont find a Cask Strength Whiskey at this proof to price point. Needs more time in the Barrel!

I like the Bonded a bit better but this is a good way to end the night.

Nose: brown sugar bomb with some very slight floral tones at the beginning Palate: sugary heat, not very complex - a sweeter, but lesser version of OF 1920 with a similar overall profile Finish: short finish, some odd astringency on the back end Stagg jr. jr? No. The best Benchmark offering I’ve had? Yes. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more drinkable 125 proofer elsewhere for this price point.

First time having this. Upon opening the nose was heavy vanilla, caramel, butterscotch bomb. Mostly the same on the palate after tasting. Finish wasn’t overly hot for 125 proof and was a nice hug This isn’t going to win any awards, but for $22 this can be on my shelf anytime for the value.