As a bourbon enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for a great value whiskey that won’t break the bank. That’s why I was excited to try Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which has been gaining popularity as one of the best bottom shelf bourbon whiskeys on the market.

Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Overview

Buffalo Trace Distillery, the makers of Benchmark Bourbon, is known for producing high-quality bourbons at affordable prices. But don’t let the low price fool you. Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 is a delicious and complex whiskey with a smooth finish. With a mash bill of undisclosed grains, it has a sweet and spicy flavor profile.

Product History

Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a product of Buffalo Trace Distillery, a renowned distillery based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Benchmark brand was originally created by Seagram’s in the late 1960s as a luxury brand and was produced at the Four Roses distillery when Seagram’s owned it.

The brand name was purchased by Sazerac in 1992, and McAfee’s was added to the label to honor the McAfee brothers, who surveyed a site just north of Frankfort in the late 1700s. Benchmark Bourbon Old No.8 is the entry-level bottle of the Benchmark Bourbon line.

Price Range

One of the best things about Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 is its affordability. With an MSRP of $10, it is a great value for the price. It is widely available in liquor stores and online retailers, making it easy to find and purchase.

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Tasting Notes

I recently had the pleasure of trying Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this bottom shelf bourbon whiskey.

Aroma

Upon opening the bottle, I was greeted with a sweet aroma of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The scent was not overpowering but rather subtle and inviting.

Flavor

Taking my first sip, I was immediately struck by the sweet custard flavor, which was balanced out nicely by hints of spice and citrus. The vanilla and caramel notes from the aroma also carried over to the taste, giving the bourbon a pleasant sweetness.

Finish

The finish was smooth and mellow, with a slight spice kick that lingered on the tongue.

The flavors didn’t overpower each other but rather complemented each other nicely, making for a well-rounded finish.

Rating

While it may lack the complexity and depth of some of the higher-end bourbons, it still delivers on flavor and quality at an affordable price point. I would give it a rating of 8 out of 10.

Mixing and Pairing

Best Mixers

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Benchmark Old No. 8 is a versatile bourbon that can be mixed with a variety of mixers.

Some of the best mixers to pair with Benchmark Old No. 8 include ginger ale, cola, and lemon-lime soda. These mixers help bring out the sweetness and spice of the bourbon, making it a great choice for cocktails.

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Cocktail Suggestions

If you’re looking to mix Benchmark Old No. 8 into a cocktail, there are several classic cocktails that work well with this bourbon. Some of the best cocktail suggestions for Benchmark Old No. 8 include:

• Old Fashioned: Combine 2 ounces of Benchmark Old No. 8 with a sugar cube, a dash of bitters, and a splash of water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then add ice and garnish with an orange peel.
• Whiskey Sour: Combine 2 ounces of Benchmark Old No. 8 with 3/4 ounce of lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice.
• Kentucky Mule: Combine 2 ounces of Benchmark Old No. 8 with 1/2 ounce of lime juice and ginger beer. Stir, and serve over ice.

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Food Pairings

Benchmark Old No. 8 is a great bourbon to pair with food, especially grilled meats and hearty dishes. Some of the best food pairings for Benchmark Old No. 8 include:

• Barbecue: The sweetness and spice of Benchmark Old No. 8 make it a great choice to pair with barbecue. Try it with ribs, pulled pork, or brisket.
• Steak: A bold bourbon like Benchmark Old No. 8 pairs well with a juicy steak. Try it with a ribeye or a filet mignon.
• Chili: Benchmark Old No. 8’s spicy notes make it a great choice to pair with chili. Serve it alongside a bowl of your favorite chili recipe for a perfect match.

Conclusion

Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly bourbon whiskey. It offers a smooth and pleasant taste that is perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails. With a price point of around $10, it’s hard to find a better value for your money. While it may not have the complexity and depth of more expensive bourbons, Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 is a solid choice for those on a budget.

 

Related Posts

As a bourbon enthusiast, I always look for new and exciting options to try.

If you’re like me, you might be interested in exploring some related posts about other whiskies worth trying. Here are some of my favorites:

• Jack Daniel’s Rye Review: Your Guide to Flavor & Experience: If you’re interested in trying rye whiskey, this review is a great place to start. The author provides a detailed breakdown of the flavor profile and offers some helpful tips for enjoying this unique spirit.
• Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Review: Unveiling the Flavor Profile: This bourbon has gained a following among whiskey lovers for good reason. In this review, the author delves into the flavor profile and shares some insights into what makes this whiskey so special.
• What Does Bottom Shelf Whiskey Mean? Explained.: If you’re curious about what “bottom shelf” whiskey really means, this post is a great resource. The author explains the term and provides some helpful tips for finding high-quality whiskey on a budget.
• Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Review: A Tasting Adventure for Whiskey Lovers: This bourbon is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, complex flavors. In this review, the author takes us on a tasting adventure and shares some insights into what makes this whiskey so special.
• Buchanan’s Two Souls Scotch Whiskey Review: A Friendly Taste Test: If you’re looking for something a little different, this scotch whiskey is definitely worth a try. The author provides a friendly taste test and shares some insights into what makes this unique blend so special.