Read my other reviews and you'll see that I like Benchmark, not that its an outstanding/gotta have, stand in line for bourbon but because it is a good bourbon given the price point. As one review I steal the quote from...."hits above its weight class" This one is no exception, I have had plenty of BIBs, have yet to have one disappoint. In fact as for the "well/bottom shelf" bourbons put this in your arsenal, because you can mix it or go neat, with a splash or ice and have the debate as to why this is a"not bad/good" bourbon given the sub $30 price Nice carmel vanilla notes, easy sipping a good all-around bourbon