By Richard Thomas
Rating: C+
(Credit: Sazerac)
When you’re Sazerac, thinking about creating a whole new line of mass market bourbons and casting about for ideas, Full Proof has got to be an easy one. The idea of “full proof” or “entry proof” bourbon is to cut the end product back to the same strength used when it was entered into the barrel, and cemented with Sazerac with the release of Barton 1792 Full Proof nine years ago. The idea has since been applied to other brands made at other Sazerac distilleries, like Weller. It only follows that when Benchmark was revamped and expanded, it would get the Full Proof treatment as well. In this case, that is the industry standard proof of 125. The mash bill is Buffalo Trace’s #1, the “low rye” formula used for all of the traditional rye mash bourbons made at that distillery and actually owned by Sazerac.
The Bourbon
A fun point about this bourbon is that Benchmark does not have a cask strength expression, but at 125 proof this expression is actually stronger than about half the cask strength whiskeys made in the US. The nose is of the type that, uncut with water, will smack you in the face with its heat. After adding some water and taking it down a notch or two, the scent is classic: brown sugar and caramel, nutmeg and clove. The flavor follows in that line, with some earthy tannin added for good measure. The finish brings on the heat again, even with a little water added, running with pepper and cinnamon.
The Price
Expect to pay between $25 and $32 for a 750ml bottle for this item.
