Sazerac *adds* an age statement!

[brettckeen]

How much do you attribute the craft bourbons (not straight) under 2 years to a move like this? Sure it is now age stated 3 years, but that's two years older than craft stuff that's commanding 50+ a bottle.

[callmeox]

I believe it is a combination of an aged bourbon shortage, brand loyalty for bottom shelfers (they will never notice!!!), and a race to the bottom by the suppliers.

I'm going 45/45/10 on the logical vatting.

[BigBoldBully]

Never imagined when I bought a bottle of Benchmark out of curiosity that I should hurry up and try it before this venerable old 4-year bourbon went sub-NAS!

[Old Dusty]

Never imagined when I bought a bottle of Benchmark out of curiosity that I should hurry up and try it before this venerable old 4-year bourbon went sub-NAS!

Yep, I've got a soon-to-be-dusty NAS Benchmark open right now. Paid $7.99 for a 750. They will probably raise the price now that it's age stated and all:grin:

[393foureyedfox]

On the back label, in small print under the giant 8.

"AGED AT LEAST 36 MONTHS"

maybe its an infinity symbol and not an eight....who knows anymore

[DrBob]

i think its a poor font job on a "3"

[Grain Belt]

I stated on another thread that I thought Benchmark did a decent job as a bottom shelf mixer. I have never tried the 36 month stuff to my knowledge. It has been about a year since I purchased Benchmark and have not had any for at least 11 months. When did the 36 month stuff come to shelves?

[Brisko]

I don't know that it has hit, yet, so far only a label approval. It would behoove us to look at the back label, anyway.

[squire]

First I've heard of it.

[393foureyedfox]

First I've heard of it.

poor Squire......everything he says he likes seems to be going downhill lately. Please don't start liking KC, Bookers and Dickel 9!

[squire]

I will not be deterred, I will not be dissuaded, I am resolute, I will prevail.

[aslezak]

First I've heard of it.

If it makes anyone feel better, I purchased a handle of the older bottle (NAS) and a bottle of the new "aged at least 36 months." They taste almost exactly the same. The older bottle seems to have a bit more oak burn while the new bottle tastes a bit younger (lacking fullness). But honestly after 1 drink I can't tell the difference between the two, side by side in identical glasses. They are mixing in some younger barrels without changing the mash bill. It's not as disappointing as when Beam dropped the proof of OGD 86 to OGD 80. I stopped drinking OGD at 80 because it just isn't the same without that extra alcohol burn and reduced sweetness/confection.

Edited March 11, 2014 by aslezak

[Josh]

I can see the marketing pitch now. Benchmark: Now 25% crappier!

[squire]

That's "New and Improved Benchmark".