Benchmark

Benchmark Bourbon comes from the same stable as Ancient Age and Buffalo Trace. It is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, meaning it matured at least two years. It is very cheap and is used primarily in cocktails, such as the popular Old Fashioned. But you can have it neat as well, of course.

The nose is sweet on apples and caramel, a faint touch of vanilla and a clear touch of mint. A handful of cherries. Very light, true. A hint of tobacco. Rather creamy.

It is less mouthcoating than expected. Medium bodied, I would say. But not bad. Leather, tobacco, dried fruits. Again cherries, giving it a fresh lift.

The finish is short.

Well, it definitely is not a benchmark as such, so in that regard it is a bottle of hubris. But on this warm summer day, it is pleasant enough. Fair price and a bit better than the Ancient Age. Off now to prepare myself one of those Old Fashioned cocktails!

Find where to buy Benchmark whisky