Olivia Taylor
Review of Benchmark Bonded Bourbon
Nose
The Benchmark Bonded Bourbon delivers a definite nose of vanilla custard, mixed berry pie, and aged oak. Additionally, a swirl of the glass reveals hints of cinnamon, baked apple, and caramel. It’s an enjoyable scent and a nice way to begin the experience.
Palate
Upon tasting, caramel, lightly aged oak, and leather are most apparent. But exploring further you’ll find nutmeg and white peppercorn. Flares of sweeter notes of berry pie and vanilla permeate throughout. All of these flavors combine nicely to form a really nice midpoint.
Finish
The finish is somewhat light with peppercorn spice dominating. As it fades, notes of oak and leather linger. Overall, it’s an average way to end the sip, nothing spectacular, but nothing to necessarily take away from the experience either.
Uniqueness
Benchmark Bonded stands out amongst the rest of the lower-proof Benchmark bottles. Notably, unlike the rest of the Benchmark family, Bonded delivers a higher quality finish. However, compared to the rest of the bottled in bond market, the sip tends to blend in with the crowd.
Value
For the price, Benchmark Bonded is an absolute bargain. At $20 or less, this is one of only four (soon to be five) major Kentucky distilleries to offer a bonded bourbon. The price alone makes the bourbon worth trying but add to that the quality of the taste and you have an exceptional value and excellent sip.
Overall
The Benchmark Bonded shows that the time in the barrel and the increase to 100 proof were just what it needed to provide an above-average sip to consumers. This series may often get overlooked due to availability and price, but in this case, consumers would be wise to pick up a bottle. This is a great way to explore the options out there in the bonded bourbon market, all for a very reasonable price.
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company Inc.
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: 4 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Copper
MSRP: $20 (2023)
S a smooth and satisfying finish.
The Benchmark Bonded Bourbon is a well-balanced and enjoyable bourbon with a rich nose and palate. The mix of flavors, from vanilla to cinnamon to peppercorn, offer a complex and satisfying taste experience. The finish might be a bit light, but still leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Overall, a great choice for bourbon enthusiasts.
S a smooth and satisfying finish.
I found the Benchmark Bonded Bourbon to be a well-rounded and flavorful whiskey. Its complex notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and berry pie make for a delightful nose and palate. I especially enjoyed the peppercorn and oak finish, which provided a nice balance to the sweetness of the bourbon. Overall, this is a great choice for bourbon lovers looking for a smooth and satisfying experience.
S a smooth and well-balanced finish.
The Benchmark Bonded Bourbon offers a complex and well-rounded experience from start to finish. The nose is inviting and the palate delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The finish ties it all together in a smooth and enjoyable way. Definitely a great choice for bourbon lovers.