Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon (90 Proof)

“Whiskey Credit Score.” A concept a friend and I invented to describe what one would pay for an unfamiliar bottle, solely based on the distillery. For instance, Kentucky Owl has a low WCS for me, perhaps $40. This is why I'll probably never get another KO. Four Roses has a very high WCS. I didn't hesitate when I had the chance to buy two SBLE for just under $200 each. Likewise, Buffalo Trace holds a high Whiskey Credit Score with me. I worry it's a blank check. If they showed me a bottle of EH Taylor in their gift shop that a dog had consumed and then regurgitated into a tank, labeled as Lassie Finished... I might need a second mortgage. So, that's the scenario. Now, enter Benchmark, from the bottom shelf. Suddenly, my local liquor store had 5 new Buffalo Trace products on display that were unknown to me. Thankfully, they were all under $20... because, damn it, they own my wallet. The question wasn't which one, but rather: “Could I face my grandchildren one day if I didn't buy all five and rush to the counter?” So, here are the Benchmarks: Benchmark 8 (80 proof) Benchmark Top Floor (86 proof) Benchmark Small Batch (90 proof) Benchmark Single Barrel (95 proof) Benchmark Bonded (100 proof) Benchmark Full Proof (125 proof) All these are made using Buffalo Trace mashbill #1, which is BT’s low-rye mashbill. Those more knowledgeable than I believe it's about 10% rye, 5% malted barley, and 85% corn. They suppose this, but I doubt anyone outside of BT truly knows. I wanted to conduct a genuine mashbill #1 comparison, so I included: Buffalo Trace (90 proof) EH Taylor Small Batch (100 proof) Eagle Rare (90 proof) Stagg Jr. Batch 13 (132.3 proof) 10 mashbill #1 bourbons. 45 blind tastings in glencairns. Only one will emerge victorious. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's begin with the last place entry. This one literally lost every match it participated in. Someone had to come in last. Nose: Sugarcane, vanilla, fresh blossoms, peanuts, a hint of melon. Palate: Lemon, caramel, peanuts. Primarily peanuts. Finish: Cinnamon and licorice. I enjoy this whiskey. It strongly resembles what I imagine an Irish whiskey would taste like if finished in virgin oak barrels. It's exceptional for under $20 and would outperform most other bottom-shelf options (excluding Benchmark) in my opinion. However, it's pricier than Top Shelf (which is superior) and only slightly cheaper than Single Barrel (which is truly outstanding). So, we have an accessible bourbon under $20 that I like... yet I can't find a reason to ever purchase this whiskey again. This baffles me. What the hell are you doing to me right now, BT? This makes no sense. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I have a few more Benchmarks to go, so if you wish to participate next time, feel free to skip the introductory part. However, I did struggle to choose which animal regurgitation to use as a comparison, so I might have new material for the next round. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ An interesting new insight regarding mashbill #1: Within the Benchmark product range, the perceptible difference when moving up or down one proof level is mostly insignificant.

So this Benchmark series tasting run has been a fun ride, but now, unfortunately, the fun is over. The Small Batch, unlike its pricier, higher-proof shelf mates, will be where we draw the line on this group being a good, reasonable imitation of a better label, and the point where we've landed. This is basically just Buffalo Trace juice in a Benchmark bottle. Nothing really to see here unless you are some gullible newbie who thinks the BT namesake bottle is something great. This average BT juice is likely straight from the Buffalo Trace barrels and nothing different. If you need some Buffalo Trace to mix with your coke, this bottle will suffice. I see no reason to bother reviewing standard Buffalo Trace yet again; I've already been there, done that. I will say "hats off" to BT/Sazerac for the nice series and the good juice you can get from this line. I think the 3 (Full Proof, Single Barrel, and Bottled-in-Bond) are all worthy and admirable offerings that you probably shouldn't overlook. I just have zero feeling toward the basic Benchmark and BT bottles, as they are the mix-with-cola and drink-average stuff that warrants no real notice. I'm unlikely to bother reviewing the Top Shelf now, as it's almost certainly going to be another Benchmark/BT rickhouse barrel that just isn't anything special. After all, it is the lowest proof and lowest MSRP. But it was a fun respite from the normal sturm und drang grind of Saz/BT allocation madness. Cheers!

90 proof. At least 4 years old. The Benchmark lineup (Single Barrel, Small Batch, Bonded, Full Proof, and Top Floor) is currently only available in Indiana. They intend to expand to other states once supplies grow. Buffalo Trace provided this detail. Nose: Touches of acetone, aged oak, toffee, brown sugar, tart apples, and a floral scent. Palate: Cinnamon and brown sugar, hints of caramel, slightly scorched buttered popcorn, and tannic oak. Finish: Astringent oak, tannic, and drying. Still superior to the original 80 proof Benchmark, but not as good as the single barrel version I recently tried. However, it's not surprising that it shares some common characteristics. The brown sugar notes are less pronounced than in the single barrel, which was a key feature. This has a drying and tannic palate, mainly on the finish, which is definitely a drawback. Nevertheless, it's decent for the $16.99 I spent.

I couldn't resist trying a new Buffalo Trace bourbon. A small batch should indicate something good... I prefer to drink my whiskey neat, and I couldn't do that with this one! Sadly, this is a bourbon meant only for mixing. I had to add a little coke to make it palatable. I also tried some on the rocks, but it wasn't enjoyable. I adore the Buffalo Trace flavor profile, but wow, it was masked by a lot of young, sharp HEAT. This whiskey is immature, leaving much to be desired. Perhaps my expectations were too high for something priced at $18. If you're looking for a mixer, this could still be a viable option. Skip it

Nose: Sweet candy corn, vanilla frosting, more alcohol noticeable than in standard Benchmark Palate: Standard corn flavor, vanilla upfront but quickly shifts to spice. Finish: Grainy, stronger than standard Benchmark, both in alcohol content and youthfulness. The increased alcohol content of Benchmark Small Batch provides a bit more intensity and a slightly different sweetness. However, its youthfulness is also more apparent in this version. I'm unsure if this is superior or inferior, but it is distinct. It remains a great value Bourbon that I will enjoy drinking.

Considering its cost, this bourbon is generally satisfactory. Vanilla notes are upfront, transitioning to a buttery, creamy mid-palate, and finishing with a mild lingering spice. It won't blow you away, but it won't break the bank either. Slightly better than, but comparable to, Top Floor.