It's a question that bargain-hunting whiskey fans keep asking: which is the best Benchmark bourbon? The Benchmark Bourbon series by Buffalo Trace offers a diverse range of affordable bourbons, each with its unique characteristics and price points. Distilled by Buffalo Trace, Benchmark has long been a bottom-shelf staple with a 40% ABV and a $10 price tag.
However, the distillery recently decided to expand the Benchmark line, now offering an additional five expressions. As whiskey enthusiasts, we delved into all five labels from this series: Benchmark Top Floor, Benchmark Small Batch, Benchmark Single Barrel, Benchmark Bonded, and Benchmark Full Proof. Here's a comprehensive review to help you determine which Benchmark bourbon stands out from the rest.
The following review summaries are taken from five audio podcast episodes, linked below. Click the links to listen to these reviews in audio format.
5. Benchmark Single Barrel
Overview
Benchmark Single Barrel, bottled at 95 proof, was the least impressive in our lineup. This bourbon failed to deliver the complexity and richness expected from a single barrel whiskey. Priced at $25, it fell short of expectations, especially compared to its siblings in the Benchmark series. That said, there's always some inherent risk in buying single-barrel whiskey, as the barrel your bottle comes from might not accurately reflect the standard overall flavor of the product.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Sour apple, light brown sugar, and ethanol were predominant. Bob described it as artificial caramel mixed with green apple Jolly Rancher covered in oak and ethanol, giving it a rating of 6/10, while Brad rated it slightly lower at 5.5/10.
Palate: The palate mirrored the nose with green apple candy and ethanol, lacking complexity and depth. Bob gave it a 6/10, while Brad rated it a 5/10.
Finish: The finish was short and sour, with minimal complexity, earning a 5/10 from Bob and a 5.5/10 from Brad.
Balance: Both reviewers agreed on the average balance, with Bob giving it a 5.5/10 and Brad a 5/10.
Value: At $25, this bourbon didn't offer good value, scoring 3/10 from both reviewers.
Final Score: Bob - 25.5/50, Brad - 24/50
Click here to listen to our 10-minute review of Benchmark Single Barrel.
4. Benchmark Bonded
Overview
Benchmark Bonded, bottled at 100 proof, fared better than the Single Barrel but still lacked the wow factor. Priced at $20, it offered decent value but didn't stand out in terms of flavor complexity.
Tasting Notes
Nose: A mix of cinnamon, caramel apple, oak, and mixed berries, earning a 7/10 from both reviewers.
Palate: Notes of Juicy Fruit gum, caramel, and baking spices. Brad appreciated the sweet-savory balance, rating it 8/10, while Bob found it less complex and gave it a 7/10.
Finish: The finish turned slightly sour for Bob, who rated it 6/10, whereas Brad found it more rye-forward and gave it a 7.5/10.
Balance: Decent complexity and flavor balance, with Brad rating it 7.5/10 and Bob 6.5/10.
Value: At $20, this bourbon scored high on value, with both reviewers agreeing on an 8/10.
Final Score: Bob - 34.5/50, Brad - 38/50
Click here to listen to our 10-minute review of Benchmark Bonded.
3. Benchmark Small Batch
Overview
Benchmark Small Batch, bottled at 90 proof, offered a more refined experience compared to its lower-proof counterparts. Priced at $18, it provided a good balance between cost and quality.
Tasting Notes
Nose: A soft, sweet aroma of red apple, raw lumber, brown sugar, and vanilla, scoring 7/10 from Bob and 7.5/10 from Brad.
Palate: Classic bourbon flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a cinnamon-apple dessert note, earning 7.5/10 from Brad and 6/10 from Bob, who found it lacked sweetness.
Finish: Oak, peppercorn, and vanilla, with Brad giving it a 6.5/10 and Bob a 5.5/10.
Balance: Good balance and flavor integration, with Brad rating it 8.5/10 and Bob 7/10.
Value: Excellent value at $18, with Brad rating it 10/10 and Bob 8/10.
Final Score: Bob - 33.5/50, Brad - 40/50
Click here to listen to our 10-minute review of Benchmark Small Batch.
2. Benchmark Top Floor
Overview
Benchmark Top Floor, bottled at 86 proof, was a pleasant surprise. Despite being the most inexpensive at $15, it offered a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Nutty with almond, vanilla, and caramel, earning 6.5/10 from Bob and 7/10 from Brad.
Palate: Oaky with caramel and cream soda notes, scoring 6/10 from Brad and 7/10 from Bob.
Finish: Short and sweet with hints of vanilla and tobacco, earning 6.5/10 from both reviewers.
Balance: Honest delivery with consistent flavors, scoring 7/10 from both reviewers.
Value: Outstanding value, with Brad rating it 9.5/10 and Bob 9/10.
Final Score: Bob - 36/50, Brad - 36/50
Click here to listen to our 10-minute review of Benchmark Top Floor.
1. Benchmark Full Proof
Overview
Benchmark Full Proof, bottled at a robust 125 proof, emerged as the best of the series. Priced at $23, it offered the most complex and satisfying experience, making it the top choice in the Benchmark lineup.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Classic bourbon notes of caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and spices, scoring 8.5/10 from Bob and 7.5/10 from Brad.
Palate: Enhanced flavors of brown sugar, caramel, and spices, with Brad rating it 8.5/10 and Bob 7.5/10.
Finish: Slightly sour oak tanginess, earning 6.5/10 from both reviewers.
Balance: Consistent and well-integrated flavors, with both reviewers giving it 7.5/10.
Value: Unmatched value for a high-proof bourbon, scoring 10/10 from both reviewers.
Final Score: Bob - 40/50, Brad - 40/50
Click here to listen to our 10-minute review of Benchmark Full Proof.
Conclusion
After reviewing the Benchmark series, it's clear that Benchmark Full Proof stands out as the best choice, with a robust and complex flavor profile at an excellent value. Benchmark Top Floor is a close second, providing a well-rounded experience at an unbeatable price. Benchmark Small Batch offers a step up in complexity and balance, making it a great middle-ground option. Benchmark Bonded and Benchmark Single Barrel, while decent, fall short of the top three in terms of flavor and value. If you're a bourbon enthusiast looking for quality and affordability (not to mention high proof), the Benchmark Full Proof is the undisputed champion of this series.
