Benchmark
Old No.8
- 40
- 70cl
- Taste: 3
- USA
Benchmark is made at Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery dates back to 1775 when Hancock Lee, a pioneer in the Kentucky region, established the distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River. In 1812, the distillery was officially established as the O.F.C. (Old Fashioned Copper) Distillery by Harrison Blanton. It operated under various owners and names throughout the 19th century. Like many distilleries, Buffalo Trace was...
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Benchmark is made at Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery dates back to 1775 when Hancock Lee, a pioneer in the Kentucky region, established the distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River. In 1812, the distillery was officially established as the O.F.C. (Old Fashioned Copper) Distillery by Harrison Blanton. It operated under various owners and names throughout the 19th century.
Like many distilleries, Buffalo Trace was shut down during Prohibition. However, it was one of a handful of distilleries that received permission to operate for medicinal purposes. After Prohibition ended, the distillery underwent several changes in ownership and was known by various names, before eventually being renamed Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999. The new name paid homage to the historic buffalo migration path that ran through the property.
In 1773, the McAfee brothers left Virginia westward to explore the uncharted territory that would later become known as Kentucky. The McAfee Company eventually followed a native trail overland that led to the great buffalo crossing, where the brothers surveyed the land now home to the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The surveyor marks left behind are known as benchmarks and this bourbon whiskey honours the pioneering spirits of these early American explorers.
The nose bears caramel notes with a delicate stone-fruit backdrop. A robust and sturdy palate with some fine leather notes mingling with dry tobacco, a touch of oak and a hint of dried cherries. The finish is smooth and calming.
Like many distilleries, Buffalo Trace was shut down during Prohibition. However, it was one of a handful of distilleries that received permission to operate for medicinal purposes. After Prohibition ended, the distillery underwent several changes in ownership and was known by various names, before eventually being renamed Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999. The new name paid homage to the historic buffalo migration path that ran through the property.
In 1773, the McAfee brothers left Virginia westward to explore the uncharted territory that would later become known as Kentucky. The McAfee Company eventually followed a native trail overland that led to the great buffalo crossing, where the brothers surveyed the land now home to the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The surveyor marks left behind are known as benchmarks and this bourbon whiskey honours the pioneering spirits of these early American explorers.
The nose bears caramel notes with a delicate stone-fruit backdrop. A robust and sturdy palate with some fine leather notes mingling with dry tobacco, a touch of oak and a hint of dried cherries. The finish is smooth and calming.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig