Benchmark Small Batch

BourbonReviewsJim Beam

Nov 10

Written By David Levine

Benchmark Small Batch

Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 (Low-Rye)

Small Batch (Undefined Size)

45% ABV/90 Proof

~3Y

Eye: Apricot, thin unstable rims and quick droplet legs.

Nose: Caramel, unsweetened cornbread. Roasted corn, no hint of proof.

Palate: Vanilla, sweetened cornbread, tip-of-tongue spice. Some grape and then oak spice with a hint of cinnamon. Sweet heat is starting to balance out. Pink peppercorn adds a little spice after air. Mouthfeel is oily, coating, and chewable.

Finish: Baking spices, a nice oak hit that’s pleasantly spicy without being woody. Long and lingering.

Overall: This is the first in the vertical that feels like “bourbon” to me rather than a whiskey or cognac. Starting to build into a mature product.

Rating: 5.8

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)