Benchmark Bonded Bourbon Review

Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Region: Frankfort, Kentucky

Aging: Minimum of 4 Years

ABV: 50%

Proof: 100

Mash Bill: Undisclosed

Non-Chill Filtered: No

Price: $20

Bottled In Bond Act of 1897 Requires the following to be labeled as Bottled In Bond:

• Must be 100 Proof
• Must be aged at least 4 years
• Must be produced at a single distillery within a single distillery season
• Must be aged in a government-bonded warehouse

Appearance: Dark Honey

Nose: Caramel, oak, vanilla, sweet apple, brown sugar

Palate: Bold caramel and vanilla followed by charred oak, pepper, and oily hazelnut

Finish: Medium finish with lasting pepper and rye spice notes – has a nice buttery and oily mouthfeel that reminds me of hazelnut or almonds

Is Benchmark Bonded Bourbon an Approachable Whiskey?

Benchmark Bonded Bourbon is quite easy to drink. Despite its 100 proof, it goes down smoothly and offers a lot of great bourbon flavors and depth. This is a whiskey both beginners and experienced whiskey drinkers will appreciate, especially for the price.

Is Benchmark Bonded Bourbon Complex?

Benchmarked Bonded Bourbon has a few layers of complexity to it. For the cost, I expected it to be very straightforward and simple, but you get an additional layer on this one. It starts with the bold caramel and vanilla flavors we’re used to, but then follows up with a nice bit of pepper and rye spice that adds a twist for your taste buds. It finishes off with a pretty decent oily mouthfeel that leaves you satisfied with each sip.

Is Benchmark Bonded Bourbon a go-to whiskey?

Benchmark Bonded Bourbon could easily be a go-to whiskey. It’s affordable, offers nice solid bourbon flavors, and has a 50% ABV. What more could you want for $20?

Is Benchmark Bonded Bourbon priced accurately to its quality?

Benchmark Bonded Bourbon delivers above its price tag. For just $20, you get the quality of bourbon I would expect to be at least $30.

Conclusion for Benchmark Bonded Bourbon

This bottle definitely delivers if you’re looking for a solid bottle of bourbon on a budget. I’d always heard this bottle was solid and now that I have tried it myself, I can confirm that it is indeed a winner.

Let Us Know What You Think

I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.

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Thanks for reading and cheers!