Benchmark

About Benchmark Bourbon

We can't talk Benchmark Bourbon without talking about roots. Benchmark traces its name to the McAfee family and the early surveying marks that shaped Kentucky's frontier.

The brand was created as a mainstream bourbon label and today is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the Sazerac Company. It is positioned as an accessible Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, typically bottled at 80 proof and aged at least three years, which makes it an easy, everyday dram for mixing or sipping.

Notable Bottles From Benchmark Bourbon

Old No. 8

Old No. 8 is Benchmark's core expression and the one most people recognize. It is a no‑frills bourbon aged a minimum of 36 months, bottled at 80 proof, and designed for versatility. It works in classic cocktails and stands up to simple neat pours. The label and bottle styling are straightforward, reflecting the brand's practical, no‑nonsense approach.

Top Floor Bourbon

Top Floor is Benchmark's premium-minded expression that leans into richer barrel character while staying approachable. It typically showcases deeper caramel and toasted oak notes than the core bottling, with a rounder mouthfeel and a touch more spice on the finish. The bottle is aimed at drinkers who want a step up from everyday bourbon without jumping to high price points.

Full Proof Bourbon

Full Proof is Benchmark turned up. Bottled at a higher proof, it delivers more heat and more flavor intensity while retaining the brand's straightforward profile. Expect amplified vanilla, baking spice, and a firmer rye bite that comes through on the mid palate. This expression is for people who enjoy a bolder dram and who like to experiment with dilution to find the sweet spot.

Bonded Bourbon

A bonded expression, when available, follows the bottled-in-bond rules: single distillery, single season, aged at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. These releases offer a firmer backbone and more spice, making them a good step up for those exploring bolder bourbon flavors.

Awards and Recognition

Having just recently won the Silver from the International Wine & Spirits Competition, Benchmark is still a good benchmark for excellent whiskey. We can list down all its medals, but that'd take days. Sure, one can consider it a more… enthusiast-driven whiskey or a trophy bottle, but it still gets enough buzz that people, even newbies, gravitate towards it for being a friendly, affordable introduction to whiskey.

Who Benchmark Bourbon is For

Benchmark Bourbon is for all your everyday sippers who prefer a simple, consistent pour without fuss. Think budget-conscious collectors who want a recognizable label to compare against higher-end releases.