Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon (125 Proof)

Nose is pretty nondescript with very light notes of caramel, vanilla and apple. Also get some sweet corn and ethanol on the nose. Palate is initially sweet with typical bourbon notes of vanilla and caramel. Get a punch of heat from the proof and some bitter oak on the mid-palate. Finish has a peppery, leathery, numbing dryness to it that lingers.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Caramel, vanilla, some fruit notes. Palate: Cinnamon red hots, clove, baking spice. Finish: Long length with medium heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 8/10 - This was a tough one to rate. On the one hand, it’s pretty basic with no real depth. On the other hand, it’s dirt cheap. It could possibly hold its own in a cocktail, but for the same price as WT 101, it’s 125 proof. Good value for the price.

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.