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McMasters25
Benchmark Single Barrel Bourbon (95 Proof)
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Bourbonk
Reviewed February 17, 2024 (edited March 14, 2024)I've been seeking good lower proof bottles lately. This one grabbed my attention, and so I took a gamble... Color: Medium Copper Nose: Sweet. I heard a review on YouTube that mentioned, "Juicy Fruit gum" — and I totally get where they were coming from. Leather. Oak. Totally recognize this as a "Buffalo Trace" nose. Reminds me of, dare I say, Eagle Rare?!. Now let's see how this stuff tastes... Palate: (First sip neat) Slightly syrupy on the tongue, which surprised me. Was not expecting that at this proof. "Spicy" kicks things off. Gentle chest hug. Somewhat nutty on the second sip. Let's add a large ice ball and see what that does, if anything... Still spicy. I'd say "spicy" is the predominant profile — on this maiden voyage, at least. More sweetness comes out as the ice melts. Again, I am tasting "Eagle Rare" here! Wow. I have some of that left. I think a blind between these two is warranted! Finish: Somewhat short, but nice with caramel. I love when I "discover" a relatively cheap bottle that delivers the goods. I can see this earning a spot on the Bottom Shelf. 3 solid stars. Added 2/19/24: As I mentioned above, I was curious to see how this Benchmark SiB would stand up against its longer-aged Buffalo Trace cousin, Eagle Rare, in a blind. I conducted it last night, and the results were not too surprising. Suffice to say, one can tell the difference pretty easily between a 10 year bottle and what is probably, at most, a 4 year bottle (probably less). Eagle Rare was the clear winner. But that is not necessarily a slam against Benchmark SiB. I still detect a lot of "Buffalo Trace" in it. It's just not as "developed" and "nuanced" as its older cousin. My thoughts on it remain unchanged: It's a good low-price option.29.95 USD per BottleMission Wine & Spirits -
ThomHCox
Reviewed February 11, 2024 (edited March 13, 2024)This is a 4.25 relative to its price point. Yummy, easy sipper I hope to keep around.25.0 USD per Bottle -
Tango66
Reviewed February 1, 2024 (edited March 13, 2024)As you pour yourself a glass of Benchmark Single Barrel, the first thing you notice is the rich aroma of baking spice and freshly baked cookie dough wafting from the glass. As you take your first sip, the smoothness of the entry immediately impresses you, while the palate reveals a complex mix of flavors, including the robustness of Assam black tea, the warmth of cinnamon, and the subtle notes of oak. The finish is equally impressive, with the perfect blend of pipe tobacco and cinnamon, leaving a lingering, satisfying aftertaste. This whiskey is truly a work of art.22.99 USD per BottleTotal Wine & More
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