Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon (125 Proof)

CHAMPIONSHIP OF AFFORDABLE HIGH-PROOF WHISKEY Benchmark Full Proof Old Grand-Dad 114 Maker’s Mark Cask Strength I’ve always enjoyed potent, barrel-proof bourbons. As I’ve mentioned before, there’s a certain authenticity when drinking these because they’re bottled without any water added and are essentially straight from the barrel. I decided to grab three affordable bottles from my stash to determine the top budget hazmat bourbon. While none of these hit the high proofs of more expensive bourbons (like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Booker’s, which are often 130+ proof, or sought-after bottles such as William Larue Weller), they are also much cheaper. The comparisons aren't perfect, but a bit of hands-on testing is beneficial. Benchmark Full Proof (125 proof; $25) The Benchmark Full Proof (BFP), a Buffalo Trace product, displays a distinct, classic mahogany color, very similar to the other two. The aroma is sweet, featuring notes of chocolate-covered cherries, vanilla, cigar box, pipe tobacco, and the expected alcohol – no need to shove your nose into the glass unless you enjoy pain. After trying the others, I also detect cotton candy scents. The palate has a light, slick texture and, again, the expected alcohol. The finish is medium in length and quite smooth, with absolutely no harshness from tannins. It has no age statement. Rated 4.0 out of 5. Old Grand-Dad 114 (114 proof; $30) Old Grand-Dad 114 (OGD), a Jim Beam product, has the same classic color as the BFP. The nose is quite different, offering notes of saddle leather, dried oranges, demerara sugar, a dusty quality, and a faint minty freshness, likely due to the high-rye mash bill (63% corn, 27% rye, 10% barley). Surprisingly, the alcohol seems as strong or even stronger than the BFP, despite being 11 proof points lower. There’s also more oak influence on the palate. The medium finish reveals some rye spice, and like the BFP, it’s free of bitterness. Overall, it’s less sweet than the BFP. This one also has no age statement. Rated 3.75 out of 5. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (110.4 proof; $40) Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (MMCS) is, naturally, a Maker’s Mark product, and its color is nearly identical to the BFP and OGD. This specific bottle is the lowest proof of the three at 110.4; the company indicates the proof can range from 108 to 114. The aroma sits between the BFP and OGD in intensity, presenting notes of caramel, Cocoa Puffs cereal, and brown sugar. The palate is warm and noticeably lighter than the other two, as expected with the lower proof, and has a pleasant pine-like note. There’s a distinct woody vanilla on the finish, more pronounced than in the BFP and OGD. It’s also an NAS bourbon. Rated 4.0 out of 5. Each of these are enjoyable on their own, and their high proofs would work well in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned (I’ve used both the BFP and OGD in those cocktails). Generally, the BFP is smoother and richer; the OGD is a bit more robust; and the MMCS is more refined. They all lack the depth and intensity I find in Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Booker’s; but those cost more than twice as much. I’ve always been a fan of OGD, and have called it the best value for the proof. However, compared to these, I’d rank it third. The BFP and MMCS are both excellent and quite distinct, but I’d give a slight advantage to the BFP. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in Glencairn glasses.

The nose is rich with smoky and fruity notes, and strong alcohol, but not harsh. Delicious flavors of candied dark fruits like plums, blackberries, black cherries, and Moon Drop grapes are detected. Abundant sweetness in the form of brown sugar and butter on lightly toasted bread, vanilla bean, and even a touch of honey. Plenty of spice, including white pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne. Charred oak is present throughout, along with a hint of eucalyptus. It's warm on the tongue, but in a good, mildly challenging way. Like Atomic FireBall candies exploding in the mouth, followed by the black cherries from the nose, complemented by a savory sweet caramel syrup infused with pepper and herbs. There's also some candied orange peel and honeycomb. The body is adequate, with an above-average, even oily, mouthfeel. However, there are no visible legs. The relatively short finish is enjoyable. Tastes of fruit leather, praline nuts, smoked maple syrup, plus a hint of pipe tobacco and cocoa. Given the amount of flavor packed into this for the price, and how well it holds up with ice, Full Proof is foolproof! Nose: 9 Taste: 9 Body: 7 Finish: 8

I finished my first bottle and was really pleased with the bourbon. It's from the Buffalo Trace distillery and is a very good, affordable, high-proof bourbon. I purchased it about two months ago and have enjoyed it neat and in various mixed drinks. It's a bit too intense for me to drink straight, but adding ice or water improves it. The aroma is oaky and sweet, with undertones of vanilla and spice. It leaves a nice coating in the glass, though it feels a bit thin. The initial taste is vanilla, followed by ethanol. The body wasn't as full as I expected, but it was acceptable. The finish is pleasant and woody, with hints of vanilla and caramel. This bourbon truly excels in cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan. The drinks are quite potent, so be prepared. The flavor is excellent, as the bourbon holds its own in both of these drinks. Overall, this is a solid high-proof bourbon and definitely worth trying. I'm interested in exploring the other bourbons in this line.

I discovered this limited find from Idaho for $22.95 and didn't hesitate to purchase it, tasting it neat. It has a golden-brown straw color with thin legs in the glass. The nose offers vanilla, sweet grain, and a hint of ethanol and tannic oak in the background. In the mouth, there's burnt sugar, caramel, vanilla, an ethanol burst, followed by dry tannic oak. It has a good oily mouthfeel, then a tingling rye spiciness leading into a finish of sweet grass, mint, dry astringent oak, and a touch of sourness as it fades. Adding an ice cube reduces the ethanol, mutes the mouthfeel, and enhances the sweetness, making it somewhat uninteresting, though not bad. The flavor profile is very similar to other Benchmarks I've tasted (old #8, single barrel, bottled in bond), but intensified at 125 proof. It would perform well in cocktails with other robust flavors. At this price for a 125 proof bourbon, I would happily use it for mixing drinks all day. It's an excellent value if you can locate it.

From the top of the bottle, this is what I get. First and foremost, the aroma is caramel, with a spicy heat underneath. The palate is fiery and zesty, leading to a prolonged conclusion. Exploring further, hints of caramel and a bit of honey emerge, but they are rapidly overshadowed by the intense heat. I also detect some oak, though the heat is considerable. I paused and added a small ice cube. Following the addition of ice, a smoky scent arises from the aroma and carries through to the taste. It presents a pleasant caramel and sweet profile. Ultimately, this is a harsh spirit. If you seek a vibrant experience, this whiskey is for you. I'll probably use it in a mixed drink.

Poured into a Glencairn and allowed to breathe before evaluation. Potent alcohol vapor on the nose, which softens with hints of dark red cherry, vanilla, and caramel as it opens. The alcohol hits the palate first but is quickly somewhat mellowed by the caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit. A long finish with dark cherry and vanilla notes, alongside the warmth. Make no mistake, this is not for shooting. It drinks with heat, but not to the extent of 62.5% ABV. The heat is nicely balanced by the aforementioned flavors, making it an enjoyable neat sipper.