Benchmark Single Barrel Bourbon (95 Proof)

Nose is pleasant. Caramel apple, cider mill donut. Palate is richer, mildly oily, baking spices, nuttiness. Finish lingers a little while. Surprisingly nice overall

95 proof. At least 4 years old. The Benchmark series (Single Barrel, Small Batch, Bonded, Full Proof, and Top Floor), is currently Indiana exclusive. When supplies increase, they plan on expanding to other States. I got this information directly from Buffalo Trace. N: Lots of brown sugar mingling with some toffee, cornbread and a touch of spearmint. P: Palate follows nose with brown sugar, toffee, a taste of cornbread, and a touch of spearmint. F: Brown sugar on cornbread settles a nice finish. Head and shoulders above the original 80 proof Benchmark. I know that is not saying much, but this is actually enjoyable neat. While I’m not a fan the original Benchmark, this is entirely different. Brown sugar dominant all the way through while cornbread and toffee work themselves in as well. I would liken the profile to that which is similar to Buffalo Trace. At $22.99 this is a great purchase.