Benchmark Expansion

[PaulO]

I saw some time ago Sazerac had applied to the T.T.B. for five different brand extensions for Benchmark.

They have started to be offered for sale.

Have any of you had a chance to sample any of these?

[gurgalunas]

I have a friend in Indy that got several different ones.  Not the whole collection sampled yet, but he said the BiB was definitely a step above the standard bottle.  I'll try to get his impressions as he samples more.

[BottledInBond]

I’m not sure what all 5 are but there is a BIB, a single barrel, and a full proof (125) version out. 
 

I find it funny that BT continues to act like it was too hard for them to keep ER as a single barrel product, while also coming out with a new...... single barrel product. What’s the excuse for ER now, BT? 

[PaulO]

I recall the five are: B.I.B., Full Proof, Top Floor, Single Barrel, and Small Batch.

 

We could have a whole thread on why did BT ... 

[0895]

1 hour ago, PaulO said:

 

We could have a whole thread on why did BT ... 

That’s easy... 

[PaulO]

I did see this in the wild today.  I was at a liquor store on the other side of town.  There is an actual Benchmark display shelf with all the versions.  Given the way it was presented, it looks like the plans are to have this as a regular thing.  The full proof was an empty space.  I had already made some other purchases when the cashier told me they had the display.  Bad on me as she had offered to help when I came in.  I thought all their bourbon was in one area.  (If you don't want me to see something, put it by the Fireball.)  No big deal, maybe FP will be restocked next time.

[Bourbon Sabbath]

Anyone know the proof or age of the top floor, small batch, and single barrel? 

[PaulO]

If I recall proof correctly: top floor 86, small batch 90, single barrel 95, bond 100, full proof 125.

I haven't read the labels closely.  If there is no age statement, we can assume it contains nothing any younger than exactly four years old.  (The Bonded must be at least four years old, and all from the same season.)  There's an old saying - four years and a day.  Of course they could put older whiskey into it, but in today's market, why would they.

[PaulO]

I went back to the store with the display.  I grabbed two B.I.B., left one for the next person.  I asked about the Full Proof, when do they expect more.  "Oh that's allocated.  That was all we could get."  

So, I've got the bonded open now.  I was thinking, will this be like a slightly younger BT, but 100 proof - Yes.  Nose is about identical to my last standard bottle of BT.  Initial taste is caramel sweetness, just a little oaky dryness in the background.  As with other bonds, you get a good idea of the particular house style.  I can say this belongs with other bonded bourbons in the same MSRP range.  It's young, and simple, but not a bad pour.  I question paying over $20.   

[Cornfed12]

This is what I was sent, friend was in Indiana and saw them. I just saw a benchmark peach today tho didn’t know it existed.

[Bourbon Sabbath]

2 hours ago, PaulO said:

I've got the bonded open now.  I was thinking, will this be like a slightly younger BT, but 100 proof - Yes.  Nose is about identical to my last standard bottle of BT.  Initial taste is caramel sweetness, just a little oaky dryness in the background.  As with other bonds, you get a good idea of the particular house style.  I can say this belongs with other bonded bourbons in the same MSRP range.  It's young, and simple, but not a bad pour.  I question paying over $20.   

@PaulOthanks for the quick review.  I'll definitely try the BIB first and base further purchases on that. The oaky dryness is good description for the BT family. 

[PhantomLamb]

23 hours ago, Cornfed12 said:

This is what I was sent, friend was in Indiana and saw them. I just saw a benchmark peach today tho didn’t know it existed.

Wish I could buy them all, this is awesome.

[FasterHorses]

None of the stores in Nashville seem to know the first thing about these. Probably saving em for the lotteries..Ha!

[fishnbowljoe]

I haven’t seen nor heard anything about Benchmark here in northern Illinois yet. Of course I’m still waiting to see the Old Tub that I was told was gonna be on the shelves here three weeks ago.   Once again, “Talk to the hand.”  
 

Biba! Joe

[PaulO]

If someone likes regular BT Bourbon, they will probably like this.  I wouldn't say it's better than regular BT.  If you remember Charter 101, that was very similar to the Benchmark Bonded.

It's all BT mash bill #1.

[geclbxf]

I was passing through Indy today, and i too saw all 5 on the shelf.   Grabbed the Full Proof  and the Top Floor for something different.   Will post after I open.