Benchmark Full Proof Shelf Review
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
It’s not unusual to see a lot of hype surrounding a product coming out of Buffalo Trace Distillery. However, you rarely associate that excitement around a product that costs less than $25. But with a recent revamp of the entire Benchmark lineup, Buffalo Trace is trying to sprinkle a little of the bourbon frenzy to the bottom shelf. But a bargain basement price hasn’t stopped even high end bourbon collectors from taking note of the new “Full Proof” iteration and have driven this seemingly approachable expression to almost allocated status. And while Benchmark Full Proof remains non-age stated, its mighty 125 proof has created excitement from the bourbon community. So, let’s see if this truly is one of the best bottles on the bottom shelf.
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 62.5%
Cask: New American oak
MSRP: $24
Distillery Name: Buffalo Trace
Review Date: 11/23/22
Nose: Starts with strong, deep oak with a metallic underbite. Then moves to ethanol mixed with candy corn, yellow frosting, apple, and lemon peel.
Palate: Strong heat, brown sugar, burnt wood, white vanilla, sweet corn meal, with a touch of classic Buffalo Trace grape and fruit notes. The heat overpowers the mouthfeel a bit and results in a less than stellar palate.
Finish: Medium length finish that dries the palate and leaves cinnamon and orange peel. This is the best part of the experience.
