The Best Benchmark Bourbon! Is This The Best Value In Whiskey Right Now?

[@WombatAnnihilator]

I love how hyped y’all get over these blinds. Either absolutely amped or beyond annoyed at yourselves. Hilariously fun.

[@reeserelentless6920]

The whole lineup just showed up here at my local binnys in peoria Illinois was very surprised. I bought all if them but the single barrell. Cant wait to try tonight

[@fattybourgeois1014]

Just showed up in Naperville, 1st time I've seen the line up. My store is asking $33 a bottle

[@MrHunterbuchanan]

Hilariously, It's Bourbon Night put Benchmark Full Proof above Blantons SFTB in a blind and said it was surprisingly close to Stagg Jr. Crazy how different palates can be, or bottles even! I'd love to see how Benchmark Full Proof compares to other budget high-proof offerings too.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Id agree that its close to staggy j

[@theduke651]

After watching your video, I went out and got me some TF. Was impressed (throughly impressed when you add in the price point). Thank you, gentlemen.

[@TheWhiskeyChannel]

Pretty stoked to see you boys blind these Benchmarks. The Benchmarks have been thoroughly impressing us as of late, especially for that rockhard powerbottom price. Cheers boyz 🥃👍

[@hazenjonas]

Great. Now that the BJs and Whiskey Channel Dotcom have given their public stamps of approval, Benchmark will now be allocated. “hey you guys have any Top Floor? When do you guys get deliveries? Is the concrete outside a good spot for a tent?”

[@Hellboy700]

@@hazenjonas I got two bottles of small batch and two bottles of top floor, and full proof.... and bonded. Ok, I have almost all of them, except the single barrel. Call it bad luck or good luck. No worries on the single barrel anymore.

[@jebsingleton]

@@Hellboy700 I can't fathom what you'll do with 8 bottles of this stuff unless you have 50 friends coming over to help you with them.

[@Hellboy700]

@@jebsingleton well, the second bottle is a back up. As for friends, we do tastings and I’m contemplating doing all kinds of reviews on social media, including whiskey. I also give bottles as presents 😁

[@ndebaca]

Odd. How you describe the price is usually how people describe Dan.

[@esorense]

...which is why exactly why I love the full proof.. for cooking.. Benchmark full proof is my whiskey in my kitchen. That extea "oilyness" flavor works great when adding to a batch of BBQ/meat Marinades, baked beans with a touch of brown sugar, apple crisp compotes, even french toast batter.. and yes pecan pie. In the tasting scenario full proof is not the best, but ifull proof is a wonderful, awesome whiskey to have in thr kitchen. Thr full proof review in this video is 100% correct.

[@JLEMS]

I Found FP to be a butterscotch bomb. Actually enjoy it quite a bit. Interesting seeing other opinions.

[@galactic_ape1929]

I'm with you. I finally got all these bottles and did my own blind. Granted my full proof has been open a couple months now, but I prefer it. Most complex by far. Love the butterscotch bomb

[@TheDeathlessDogs]

Grabbed Top Floor and Full Proof while in Kentucky since they don't sell them around here. Was very pleasantly surprised by both of them.

[@Brewzle]

Alright, I need to see the retention stats vs the old patron scroll.

[@xmikewallace17]

I love benchmark FP. It’s one of my go to whiskeys

[@BrennanCh06]

Same, cask strength Trace for under $25? Hell yeah

[@thomasaccuntius9946]

I haven't tried them all. Last night in a blind, I picked Bonded over Single. Just now, I selected Single over Bonded. We all know single barrels can vary on all bourbon. I don't have a fine tuned pallet. So you know cilantro tastes like soap to me. In closing, drink what you like, even if it varies from pour to pour.

[@bbarbou1]

Love the Single Barrel, by far my favorite of the series.

[@brandondavis4445]

I absolutely love the full proof. Kills me they hate it lol. I told my buddy about it and he thought it was amazing as well. You just have to have a bad batch lol

[@BrennanCh06]

Same, I loved it

[@mianrowan]

Two other blinds I've seen had full proof and single barrel as their 1 and 2 interchanged these guys had the whole list upside down lol

[@Sk8ndrummer963]

I just bought my first bottle of Bench tonight and went with the Full proof, and I actually really enjoyed the first pour! It’s sweet, spicy and has a pretty long finish!

[@sghlefty]

If you put Full Proof and Buffalo Trace in a glass together it's great, but I agree, full proof by itself is definitely funky

[@EDC_Bond]

Any video where Cookie cat makes an appearance is instantly a favorite for me. Love that cat!

[@johncandy2916]

Bought Top Floor and Full Proof first. I intended to try blending them because I loved the flavor of the Top Floor but wanted more proof. Then I went back and snagged Bonded. Problem solved. Its perfect.

[@Hellboy700]

Was hoping that the bonded would come out on top. 3rd is passing (shrug). I need to blind all of them as soon as I find a single barrel, including the original Benchmark 8, which you left out. The shocker is that the full proof is at the bottom. Personally, I think most full proof whiskeys need a little water to shine.

[@JohnnyZ3710]

Most KZbinrs: "Hey, check out NordVPN, use our promo code for 3 free months!" Bourbon Junkies: "Buy this FUCKING SKULL"

[@pineconeparty]

haha underrated comment

[@tysonmckinley4299]

The FP had the same bottle as the rest when they first came out. Snagged them in Indiana when they first dropped (right time, right place) and they were all identical. I think I have a pic still from that day.

[@LionFish2013]

I've tried Top Floor and enjoyed it. Looks like Small Batch is next on the drink list. Thanks for video and your cat is awesome 😺

[@rileycarlon2988]

The top floor is by far my fav and a must have in my bar.

[@davevogelsang6791]

Only the Benchmark Old No. 8 is available by me. When I visited KY, I picked up Bonded and Full Proof to add to my shelf. Have not cracked them open.

[@MrShnayblay]

"It's fleeting wood ... kinda like Mac" is one of the best sentences I've ever heard.

[@justcallmeesco8071]

I am honestly surprised at the results of this video. I have tried Benchmark Bonded and was more than happy with what it presented for a $25 bottle in my area. The Small Batch goes for $20 at my local store and will definitely be giving it a try. Awesome video!

[@TheChiefSteel]

Top Floor is my favorite bottle as well. $14.99 best mixer around.

[@mikesmith6838]

Buddy and I had a blind test of Buffalo Trace, Benchmark Small Batch and Early Times BiB. Both of us picked the Early Times as best, Buffalo Trace as second and way in the back was the Benchmark Small Batch. The Small Batch smelled good, but had very little to offer up front and absolutely nothing on the end. We both were completely disappointed with it.

[@MDillonL91]

Sean’s order is the exact opposite of mine. It’s interesting that you guys both picked a small batch and an 86 proof top floor as your 1 and 2. Most people I talk to have those at the bottom of the list.

[@richmcelmeel5430]

Love the fact I was right on SB...at the price, better than anything else on the market...never see it in Illinois...have to go to Indiana for it

[@ctcollinthib]

Just picked up a bottle - looking forward to trying a new budget drinker

[@andrettski8686]

Both SLB Drinks picked Full Proof in a blind against the new 'Traveler' bottle. Putting 'Traveler' in 3rd or 4th outta 4

[@mojo88bassandbourbon72]

Found Full Proof and others in Indiana after Pours in Park...ordered Top Floor and Bonded recently ...i like full proof havent tried others

[@David-jr4rf]

Ok, take Full Proof and put it on ICE and it's really really good. It proofs it down to the rest of the line. So good. I need to try Top Floor though.

[@WalkerKlondyke]

Agreed, Full Proof is my Old Fashioned base. It holds up well to the syrup and bitters and doesn't get too thinned out over the ice.

[@wakeguy87]

Wild! Me and my buddies lined them all up and did about the opposite order but wasn't blind. Other then full proof the rest are really similar.

[@rfriddle4]

I've only had the BIB & FP, but enjoyed them both. The BIB wasn't as good after being open a few weeks IMO, but for $20ish I will always have a backup. FP is my favorite so far.

[@logankeverett]

Man! I have been loving the full proof - can't get enough of it!

[@NorthWestBourbon]

We tried the FP, SiB and the BiB and thought the BiB had the best flavor. A lot of other whiskey channels are saying the FP is the way to go but we thought thar flavor-wise it was not that good. High proof is nice but I'm not trading that for flavor... Hearing your notes that top floor sounds good, keeping an eye out for that. Cheers guys 🇺🇸🥃

[@WhatsNextWoodworking]

Just picked up all but the FP when travelling through TX last week. Can't wait to taste them. None of these have been available here in AL.

[@brianaburke5465]

Next to JD i love benchmark i drink 3 or 4 nips a night tech one drink a glass of Whiskey lol its nice also i smoke weed as well lolz

[@billycox8366]

Easily Top Floor is my FAV also followed by bonded

[@Farwalker2u]

Of the five available versions for this line of Benchmark products, my favorite is the Bonded. I have seen the Small Batch for $17.99, the Bonded and Single Barrel for $19.99, Top Floor for $20.99, and the Full Proof for $21.99. But today (May 23, 2023) I found the Bonded for $7.49! So I bought six.

[@FakingANerve]

Jesus! Where?!

[@Farwalker2u]

@FakingANerve Total Wine & More in Alpharetta, GA had the Benchmark Bonded at $7.49 for about two weeks. Today it is back at $19.99.

[@ldrsquad]

Interested to see how these compare with Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and EH Taylor small batch as affordable somewhat availiable offerings.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Imo benchmark full proof crushes standard buffalo trace. Eagle and taylor hard to say

[@cainelittrell3335]

Sipping a Full Proof that I picked up today while watching this. It is certainly FULL proof. If this is the worst one, I’ll have to try the rest.

[@josephthomas2226]

so I agree Benchark 8 is not good. I have not tried any of these yet, but watched 3 blind tasting videos (5 people) and the results are wildly different. Moral of the story - try them all and find out what I like.

[@dustinstober9647]

Love those blind boards!!! Thanks for this benchmark blind. Still cannot find them in my area.

[@jporter504]

I finally picked up a bottle of Benchmark Top Floor (about $16 b4 tax). It is definitely worth the price. I did a taste test with it and Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch. I ranked the EWSB a tad bit better but it is also $5 more per 750ML. But, here is the small print to me, as good a value Benchmark TF is at $16, I can get WT101 1.75L for about $34. Roughly the same price per ounce as the Benchmark TF. Actually a bit cheaper. And Benchmark TF ain't no Wild Turkey 101 beater.

[@djbeacon6895]

The Savant nails it before even pouring the samples. UFR!! Sean seems to be getting better 😉.

[@fretwizard04]

I have to say I completely agree with Dan on this one I have all of those bottles at home and yeah dan's got it right

[@BiffStrongo]

I'd love to tell you guys which is my favorite, but I can't seem to find any of them. Benchmark 8 all over the place, though!

[@jamescadenhead4542]

I bought top floor on y’all’s review and I really enjoy it!!

[@bourbonbill]

Dan brings the real tasting notes is a great part of this haha

[@travissimpson9131]

They ranked it based on basically the proof point in order

[@jvw1973]

Had some Top Floor tonight independent from this video and yes it was great 👍🏻

[@mach1smith]

My bourbon club here in Dallas had they exact opposite order. We went Full, Single, Small, Bonded and then Top. We did not like the Top that much..lol

[@BuckinMaster]

Trying the benchmark single barrel

[@jdickinson1977]

I LOVE that you are so bad at blinds!

[@paladonis]

Top floor is so good, it's living in the Penthouse! That being said, I did like Small Batch a bit more then Top Floor. Top Floor has almost a bit of a Texas quality to me with the brown sugars, caramel, etc. For me, thus far, it's Small Batch, Bonded, Top Floor, Full Proof. But I have not tried the Single Barrel yet.

[@joshpence4484]

Great stuff BJ Blinds are always one of a kind !!

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

I concur that Small Batch is great. Surprised by the rest, but you know what, I probably need to go back to all of them.

[@TRob_1964]

Have only had the Bonded so far (which is very good), but I will definitely look for a small batch on my next trip! Great blind guys!

[@jeremymcbride]

I just picked up all 6 bottles to blind 2 days ago, and you post this. LOL - Will return once my blind is done to compare to yours

[@mattschmitt9924]

Well...?

[@onewun4]

Barrel Proof Rye Blind Flight Suggestion Michter's Barrel Strength Willett 4 Year Rare Breed Rye Sagamore Cask Strength Knob Creek Cask Strength Pikesville (almost BP)

[@Usedplungerstotheface]

That full proof is really good

[@TommyD28]

Awesome! I thought Bonded was also too much ethanol

[@andrewfranco1235]

Any idea where to find benchmark? Not in OK, AR, or MO.

[@theduke651]

13:27. "oh no. oh nooo." 🤣

[@outcast371]

What part of the state are you guys from, all I can find near me is #8.

[@soggysteve]

I like top floor a lot and it cost me $16. I got the same notes. I would add bubble gum to the nose notes.

[@rodmadder]

Bonded is the best of the bunch for me

[@raisehellpraisedale7932]

loving the new set, but it low key bothers me that y’all are off centered with the pillars

[@dvandentop]

I have bonded of thos pretty good

[@robschoenung9543]

Just started getting the Benchmarks in Ohio. Picked up the small batch for $18. Wow.

[@andrew.triggs]

Can you get these in Michigan? I've only seen the 8.

[@erics6947]

I have not seen them (in west mi)… had to pick one up while in Indiana.

[@archipelago93]

“This has gotta be either Top Floor or WLW” hahaha 🤣

[@lonnieliles9737]

Bonded is my number 1.

[@teofilstevenson]

Always good to see you fellas are human, but nuttin as funny as Sean picking Calument 16 last 😝

[@stevenreep385]

Y’all are crazy full proof is great

[@EggerJonathan]

single barrel is my favorite

[@EggerJonathan]

smells like eagle rare and tastes better

[@andrewrice6544]

Thank yew

[@thoughtsparks]

Just picked up a bottle of Small Batch, the first one of the series I’ve tried. It’s good, though compared to Evan Williams 1783, I think the EV wins out and it comes in a little cheaper taboot

[@adirtysock9720]

Great video boys! Very entertaining!

[@PartyRockProfessional]

If there’s something this channel has showed me, it’s that you should never chase a whole series cause Small Batch is usually the best

[@That_dude_who_knows_some_stuff]

There must be a huge variation in these products, because I’ve never seen one of these blinds play out the same way ever. Frankly, I thought the full proof was amazing.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Definitely variation in the single barrel one. Interesting about the rest it's definitely possible "flavor drift" is a very real thing in batches.

[@travissellers4377]

My top floor bottle has the same ribbed neck as the full proof. least important part of, well, anything. But kinda interesting.

[@uniform1313]

Wow, surprised this list is basically backwards in rank order compared to almost everyone in the yt review community, i think you guys need a do over and see if you got bad batches or will it be the same.

[@brianegan8260]

Dammit! I only bought full proof thinking the others would taste watered down. Now I’ve gotta buy at least two others. Dammit!

[@mikecofojohn168]

Guess who's back! $20 bangers1

[@jasono.1629]

Great drink through guys! Now we know how Buffalo Trace gets rid of their bad barrels, they either blend it to create Benchmark Full Proof or bottle it as Benchmark Sib 😂. Benchmark I think they meant as a low quality product lineup.

[@FakingANerve]

The single barrel I have is better than the bottle of Buff Trace sitting next to it. 🤷‍♂️

[@StoneColdSteve-Stocks]

I personally prefer full proof over blantons, eagle rare, quite a few other rare bourbons

[@greyman419]

I was not prepared for that Ad read

[@scdbrown]

They seem to be closing out all of these expressions except the Full Proof..many stores are selling them for 7.50 per bottle..thus I have purchased 3 cases in a variety.. what a deal!

[@mvivian444]

Dan is on form at the end of this video!

[@venomracer2]

FULL PROOF!!!!!

[@hypnocracy6102]

Lavalier microphones sound good in this room of the castle

[@randolphcraig7246]

I think the full proof is delicious after it opens up a little a stagg the third dare I say

[@yomama9462]

Thanks for blinding these I have been wondering which one to try first and what to skip.

[@ihartwine]

Benchmark VS VOB? VOB 100 is always a solid choice for me.

[@moguy1973]

I wish I could get this stuff where I live.

[@dylanvickers7953]

I found the bonded to be the least impressive, and top floor to be really great. Single barrel seems awesome too.

[@69CamaroSS]

Betting Bonded would’ve faired FAR better if you had it in the middle of the lineup. Proof is amazing….IF you’re ready for it

[@thelegionoftools]

I have some interest in these, and the first video I have watched of your Channel…So on with the Show!! 🤠😎👍🇺🇸👨🏻‍🚀🥃. Beretta9MMUSA Sr.

[@cartermayfield]

Top Floor!!!!! Say it with your chest!