Three whiskey-based liqueurs of 70 U.S. proof (35% alcohol by volume) also carry the brand name – one with apple flavoring, one with peach flavoring and the third with brown sugar flavoring. [2] [3] History [ edit ] Finally, they're cutting it down to 95 proof. I just don't understand single barrels that don't release at barrel strength. I don't mean to be a barrel-strength snob about it. There's always some good ones, like Russell's Reserve is always really good at 110 proof or whatever that one might be. The finish is barely noticeable, leaving behind a fiery and peppery sensation, with a faint trace of citrus and an unexpected similarity to glue. Now on to the McAfee’s Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon and see how my notes compare to the distillery’s! McAfee’s Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon Info Nose: Caramel candies straight from the wrapper, orange and cherry scents with vanilla custard. There’s some nice brown sugar sweet scents followed with a volley of tannins that I guess I wasn’t expecting: worn leather and seasoned oak.

It's really just candy, apple and ethanol, and it's pretty right down the middle with that. Again, not offensive, but not really that good. And it's crazy to me that the Benchmark Top Floor was 10 times as complex as this. This would hopefully take some of the heat off of their more aged options like Buffalo Trace, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, and Stagg Jr. Buffalo Trace Distillery WhiskeysBuy the Buffalo Traceif you know that straight sippin’ is most appealing to you. Sure, you could mix it because it’s cheap enough to not be wasted, but why would you? Buffalo Trace is not necessarily a great bourbon, but it is a quality product that is much better than a lot of other brands’ comparably priced bottles. The Benchmark Bourbon recipe is a blend of rye whiskey that was created by the McAfee brothers (James, Robert, and George). This label is another example of how the distillery has honored its history.

The youthful graininess I observed in No. 8 is still present, but doesn’t seem as bothersome. Caramel, cherry and cinnamon all play nicely with a little bit of seasoned oak spice. Simple, yet effective.

Benchmark Single Barrel Bourbon

Brad: For me it was sour apple, a light brown sugar (specifically, it's not a dark brown sugar), and ethanol. Proof.Scents of subtle sweetness and baking spice are followed by light citrus, butterscotch, and oak flavors. 4) Benchmark Single Barrel So, what exactly is McAfee Brothers Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon? Well, other than being one of the 5 Benchmark bourbons released in late 2020, we don’t really know. That’s the thing about bourbons designated as “Small Batch”. The one thing we do know is that Buffalo Trace blends barrels to achieve a specific flavor profile, however that would be the same for any of the Benchmark bourbons except for the Single Barrel. We are also told that “select barrels are chosen”, but again, that is not very specific.

Exploring the Agave Fields of Oaxaca: While my career commenced with a focus on Scotch and Bourbon, life’s adventures have led me to the picturesque agave fields of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Score: 6.2/10

What sets Benchmark‍ Bourbon apart is our ‍relentless⁢ pursuit of perfection. With ⁤decades⁣ of ‍experience ‍in ⁣the industry, ⁣our dedicated team ‌of master distillers has honed their skills to create ​a ⁣bourbon⁤ that is‌ rich, smooth,⁢ and bursting with complexity. The distinctive flavor profile ‍of Benchmark Bourbon is a ⁣result of our unique recipe,‍ which combines​ the finest​ corn, rye,‌ and ⁤malted⁢ barley in precise proportions. Once‍ distilled, the maturation ​process begins,⁣ during ⁤which the bourbon ages in charred oak barrels, absorbing the⁣ distinct notes of vanilla, caramel, ‌and spice. The‌ master distillers closely ⁣monitor the aging process, allowing the whiskey to‍ develop its layers⁤ of ⁢flavor​ over ⁢time.​ The final stage involves the skilled art of blending, where different aged bourbons are harmoniously combined to ⁣create the signature taste that Benchmark ⁣Bourbon is renowned for. ⁢The precise ratios​ and considerations of each batch ⁤ensure consistency while⁤ allowing the‌ whiskey ⁣to evolve with each new expression.

Which Benchmark bourbon is the best? Before answering that question, let's get a little more information about the Benchmark brand. As a whiskey expert, I've delved into the intricate details of production, aging, and blending that give each bottle its unique character. From the history of distilleries to the art of pairing whiskey with food, I've immersed myself in every facet of this captivating realm. It's been an adventure of discovery, and I'm excited to share my insights, tips, and recommendations with you. It is tough to think of another distillery that sells better products – from top to bottom – than the Buffalo Trace brand. They are practically the gold standardof the industry. How do we know that? Because every Buffalo Trace product they put out seems to be instantly allocated.Distillation takes place in traditional‍ copper pot ‌stills, where the⁤ liquid is⁢ expertly heated and refined to⁣ separate ⁢impurities and⁣ concentrate the‍ spirit’s intricate flavors. How often do we see a brand go from one “bottom shelf” bourbon to a whole new line of bourbons all at once? Not very often. But here they are, the McAfee Brothers Benchmark Bourbon Collection; 5 new bourbons all released at the same time. Beginning in late 2020, these bourbons became available, but only in Indiana. I’m not sure of the rationale behind that, but Buffalo Trace/ Sazerac generally knows what they are doing. Since then, their distribution has become much more widespread. However, at the time, this new set of bourbons intrigued me, so I drove to Indiana to get them! Benchmark Bourbon Was Named After The McAfee Brothers It is this meticulous⁢ craftsmanship that⁤ sets Benchmark Bourbon apart from the⁤ rest.‌ Each batch ​is⁣ carefully aged in specially selected hand-charred⁤ oak⁤ barrels, allowing⁣ the flavors‌ to develop and ‌mature over‍ time.⁤ The⁢ result is a ⁤smooth, well-balanced‍ bourbon with⁢ notes of caramel, ​vanilla, and a hint​ of⁢ spice. With ​a rich legacy‌ and an unwavering focus on the future, Benchmark continues to shape the⁣ world through its relentless ‌pursuit of excellence and groundbreaking innovations. As we take on new challenges, we remain committed to⁤ delivering ‍unmatched value ‌to our customers while driving positive change on a global ​scale. This is a perfectly good sweet, fruity and oaky bourbon. Extremely enjoyable and well integrated. It’s only faults are that it misses some complexity and depth. Blind Glass 2