benchmark Full Proof: The Best $20 Bottle Ever? Breaking the Seal EP#211

21 Comments

1. why can i not find this in the nashville area am i missing something?

2. I love this

3. When I do find 1792 Full Proof its usually right at $30 and always a winner.

4. Old granddad is the closest thing as far as value

5. Just a curious experiment that I will try when I get the full line-up. What if you proof down everything to Top Floor 86 proof, would you be able to identify it in a blind and would it be the best? My hypothesis is that they would be identical, in which case, I would rather have the Full Proof if I know I can always proof it down to the other bottles in the line-up!

6. They asked: What do you do with it? 
   This is what I did: Blend it with anything that you think is too weak and needs a kick. Or just trying to add a little something to anything you like but
   are thinking, what if?? For fun try this: Buffalo trace with 20% addition of Benchmark full proof. Try, Mitchter's American with a splash to taste of Benchmark. I liked about 15% Benchmark. Please note I like the Trace and Mitchters without any modifications, I was just experimenting .
   I tried Benchmark with Weller 107. This was a fail. I like Weller and Old Elk wheated without modifications, they got it right the first time. But in the interest of science?
   As for any of the Makers Mark products , nothing will help Makers. I tried many blends other and inclusive of Makers products from standard to 46 cast Strength. I just don't see the attraction to Makers. I am not a hater but that is just the way I taste Makers. Most importantly, HAVE FUN.

7. Had this today. I don’t think it’s good 😬 Very astringent, and I can’t say that’s only because of the proof. As far as budget brands go, EW BiB still kills this for me and it’s not even close. Yes it’s a little lower in proof, but imho it’s also 9x better in quality

8. Speaking of blind tasting, I had to do the new Benchmark Full Proof against the other budget high-proof bourbon, OGD 114, both of them sell right at $20 here in Texas. The Benchmark was the clear winner, deeper color, richer nose, more prominent flavors on the palate. OGD 114 is a great budget bourbon but the Benchmark is just a little bit greater! I thought I'd share that for all those who can't compare the two.

9. Why get top floor when you can add a little water or not?

10. I feel like I’d rather have OGD 114 for the mid $20’s. But it’s close both ar $24 at my store

11. I get a whiff of bubblegum from it. Water opens it up wonderfully. Still simple, and a bit tannic, but it's not a bad sipper, especially at the price. It's great as a Buck

12. It’s not good in my opinion. I would buy ET BIB all day long before this junk .

13. A huge fan of the BMFP when it first dropped and first popped, but have taken a hard 180. Some bottles get better with air in the bottle, my BMFP have gone undrinkable. Familiarly weird to me is similarities to makers cheesecake, but the crappy grocery store version sold in a package with sushi.

14. Sounds perfect for mixing with coke zero, which is what I do with 20-30$ bottles.

15. You guys are like if Sid the Sloth were separated into 2 personalities.

16. Dan’s is right about Top Floor. It is one of the most flavorful bourbons I’ve ever drank. I would put it up there with Remus V for the amount flavor in a pour. It does seem to mellow the longer it’s open. The flavor profile might not be for everyone. Really considering blending 30% Top Floor in with 70% Full Proof. Increase the flavor & bring the proof down to around 105-107.

17. Sean’s mic is harsher than Dan’s and is by a lot.

18. More echo in this room.

19. Hate the newness you’re welcome.

20. It’s like you are advertising Blue Run. I liked the multi bottle line up better.

21. Straight up butterscotch for me