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
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.
...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.
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
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.
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 🥃👍
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?”
@@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 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 😁
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Top Floor is my go-to when non-bourbon drinking friends come over and ask me to make them an Old Fashioned. It just barely missed the minimum proof I like for that drink (90+) but when you’re adding ice, syrup, bitters, cherries and orange peels to it, none of them can tell te difference. They all love it.
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.
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.
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.
I have to say, I have always wondered which of you has the better pallet but this made me confirm that Dan has the better pallet even though you were both really close.
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 🇺🇸🥃
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Just showed up in Naperville, 1st time I've seen the line up. My store is asking $33 a bottle
I love how hyped y’all get over these blinds. Either absolutely amped or beyond annoyed at yourselves. Hilariously fun.
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.
Id agree that its close to staggy j
Alright, I need to see the retention stats vs the old patron scroll.
...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.
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.
I Found FP to be a butterscotch bomb. Actually enjoy it quite a bit. Interesting seeing other opinions.
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
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.
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.
I love benchmark FP. It’s one of my go to whiskeys
Same, cask strength Trace for under $25?
Hell yeah
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 🥃👍
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?”
@@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.
@@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.
@@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 😁
Odd. How you describe the price is usually how people describe Dan.
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 😺
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
Same, I loved it
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
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!
Really oily bitter chocolate. It is what it is. Can be used to up proof some other juice.
Love the Single Barrel, by far my favorite of the series.
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.
Just picked up a bottle - looking forward to trying a new budget drinker
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.
Got small batch tonight and it’s FREAKING AMAZING!
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.
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
Any video where Cookie cat makes an appearance is instantly a favorite for me. Love that cat!
"It's fleeting wood ... kinda like Mac" is one of the best sentences I've ever heard.
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!
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
Top Floor is my go-to when non-bourbon drinking friends come over and ask me to make them an Old Fashioned. It just barely missed the minimum proof I like for that drink (90+) but when you’re adding ice, syrup, bitters, cherries and orange peels to it, none of them can tell te difference. They all love it.
Found Full Proof and others in Indiana after Pours in Park...ordered Top Floor and Bonded recently ...i like full proof havent tried others
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.
The top floor is by far my fav and a must have in my bar.
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.
Both SLB Drinks picked Full Proof in a blind against the new 'Traveler' bottle. Putting 'Traveler' in 3rd or 4th outta 4
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.
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.
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.
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.
Easily Top Floor is my FAV also followed by bonded
Love those blind boards!!! Thanks for this benchmark blind. Still cannot find them in my area.
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.
Benchmark Single Barrel has that same confectionery butter note that you find in Russel’s.
Trying the benchmark single barrel
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.
Top Floor is my favorite bottle as well. $14.99 best mixer around.
Interested to see how these compare with Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and EH Taylor small batch as affordable somewhat availiable offerings.
Imo benchmark full proof crushes standard buffalo trace. Eagle and taylor hard to say
I have to say, I have always wondered which of you has the better pallet but this made me confirm that Dan has the better pallet even though you were both really close.
Man! I have been loving the full proof - can't get enough of it!
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 🇺🇸🥃
Most RUclipsrs: "Hey, check out NordVPN, use our promo code for 3 free months!"
Bourbon Junkies: "Buy this FUCKING SKULL"
haha underrated comment
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
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
Great stuff BJ Blinds are always one of a kind !!
I bought top floor on y’all’s review and I really enjoy it!!
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.
Jesus! Where?!
@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.
Had some Top Floor tonight independent from this video and yes it was great 👍🏻
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.
Can you tell me why we can’t get benchmark in Australia other than the number 8?
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!
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.
That full proof is really good
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.
The Savant nails it before even pouring the samples. UFR!! Sean seems to be getting better 😉.
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.
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
Well...?
Awesome! I thought Bonded was also too much ethanol
Great video boys! Very entertaining!
Dan brings the real tasting notes is a great part of this haha
They ranked it based on basically the proof point in order
I LOVE that you are so bad at blinds!
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.
I have bonded of thos pretty good
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.
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
single barrel is my favorite
smells like eagle rare and tastes better
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!
Bonded is the best of the bunch for me
Any idea where to find benchmark? Not in OK, AR, or MO.
Y’all are crazy full proof is great
Bonded is my number 1.
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)
Always good to see you fellas are human, but nuttin as funny as Sean picking Calument 16 last 😝
Just started getting the Benchmarks in Ohio. Picked up the small batch for $18. Wow.
Thank yew
“This has gotta be either Top Floor or WLW” hahaha 🤣
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
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.
The single barrel I have is better than the bottle of Buff Trace sitting next to it. 🤷♂️
My top floor bottle has the same ribbed neck as the full proof. least important part of, well, anything. But kinda interesting.
I wish I could get this stuff where I live.
I personally prefer full proof over blantons, eagle rare, quite a few other rare bourbons
I was not prepared for that Ad read
Can you get these in Michigan? I've only seen the 8.
I have not seen them (in west mi)… had to pick one up while in Indiana.
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
Dammit! I only bought full proof thinking the others would taste watered down. Now I’ve gotta buy at least two others. Dammit!
What part of the state are you guys from, all I can find near me is #8.
Thanks for blinding these I have been wondering which one to try first and what to skip.
I have some interest in these, and the first video I have watched of your Channel…So on with the Show!! 🤠😎👍🇺🇸👨🏻🚀🥃. Beretta9MMUSA Sr.
I think the full proof is delicious after it opens up a little a stagg the third dare I say
Dan is on form at the end of this video!
loving the new set, but it low key bothers me that y’all are off centered with the pillars
Guess who's back! $20 bangers1
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.
Definitely variation in the single barrel one. Interesting about the rest it's definitely possible "flavor drift" is a very real thing in batches.
Lavalier microphones sound good in this room of the castle
Who else thought the Fragile box was going to be a leg lamp?!?
youll shoot your eye out kid....lol
I was hoping
FULL PROOF!!!!!
I found the bonded to be the least impressive, and top floor to be really great. Single barrel seems awesome too.