Benchmark Bottled-in-Bond

Nov 10

Benchmark Bottled-in-Bond

Perhaps the lineup extension that’s most intriguing, simply because the bottled-in-bond designation requires so much more work to meet. The rest of the Benchmark line is listed at at least 36 months old (3 years), but by definition this one has to be at least 4 years old. That extra year, for me, makes a difference: the nose is very similar to its younger brethren, but the extra age really comes through in the late palate/mouthfeel and finish.

Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 (Low-Rye)

50% ABV/100 Proof

NAS, 4+YO

Eye: Golden honey, thin-to-medium rims with droplet legs.

Nose: Oaky, vanilla and caramel. Touch of grape sweetness, orchard fruits (especially apples) develop. Apples turn into applesauce with some cinnamon stick. Licorice builds after air.

Palate: Caramel and vanilla flan, pink peppercorns. Some oak, spice, and mustiness. Fresh corn but not too sweet, verging on popcorn. More powerful bourbon notes develop with air. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied and lingering, sweet corn with a delayed spice.

Finish: Final pop of heat, coating and creamy.

Overall: The palate ends up reminding me of a Russell’s Reserve pick with the corn-forward flavors. Quite good overall, I’d be happy with this as a daily go-to.

Rating: 6.1

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)