It’s time to meet the small batch offering from the Benchmark collection.
Benchmark is one of the newest spinoff collections from Buffalo Trace. Despite the fact that, like all Buffalo Trace products, it’s almost impossible to find these days, the collection is marketed as a more approachable, accessible, and affordable collection compared to heavy-hitters like Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, or E.H. Taylor. The Benchmark collection currently includes: Top Floor, Bonded, Full Proof, Single Barrel, Old No. 8 Brand, and Small Batch.
Benchmark Small Batch may be renowned for being a Buffalo Trace product, but a big reputation doesn’t guarantee big facts. The bourbon is aged four years and bottled at 90 proof, but the mashbill, number of barrels in the small batch, or really anything else are still a mystery. Guess that’s the tradeoff for being accessible and affordable. Aloofness aside though, the flavor of this bourbon says enough.
The start of Benchmark Small Batch begins with very subtle vanilla flavors that give way to a thick caramel taste. Toward the end, a fairly deep oak flavor sinks in that kind of peeters out in the finish. Overall, the flavors are a bit thin and certainly not complex. The bourbon sweetness comes through, sure, but it feels underdeveloped and a little one note. Honestly, its 90 proof may be to blame for the flatness in the flavor. The truth is, Benchmark Small Batch is just fine – it’s a solid and sturdy bourbon that’s easy enough to enjoy. It could be satisfying enough, and not so irritating, if it weren’t for all of its pesky siblings. After all, being part of a collection basically begs for comparison.
Sadly, comparison doesn’t do much in favor of Benchmark Small Batch. Holding it up to say, Benchmark Full Proof, is definitely disappointing with Full Proof’s big personality and bigger proof. Even next to Benchmark Single Barrel, which felt markedly middle of the road, the small batch is struggling to make an impression.
It’s tricky to try and wrestle out distinct characteristics and personalities from every expression in a collection. However, in the case of poor Benchmark Small Batch the biggest characteristics are small impressions and small flavors.
STATS: Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon
- Price for us: $26 for 750 mL
- Proof: 90
- Aged: NAS
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace, owned by the Sazerac Company
- Recommendation: Mixer
