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My name is Martin and I live in Scotland. I love fine things in life, such as gourmet food, travelling around the world and, last but not least, whisky (naturally, I’m partial to a tipple of whiskey or bourbon as well). I have tasted hundreds of whiskies during the recent years and I finally decided to share my experience.

8 Comments

  1. nick koch weiler
    March 6, 2010 @ 2:27 am

    I’m a huge Benchmark fan, i bought it on the bottom shelf for years and have watched it creep up to eye level with more expensive bourbons, it’s highly underrated and I love your description, and assessment of it.

  2. Martin Leddy
    April 14, 2010 @ 9:35 pm

    Having lived in Bardstown, Ky for a number of years…I “sampled” many bourbons. As a blind test I selected BenchMark over many more familier name like Markers Mark, Old Grand Dad, Blanton’s, Wild Turkey, and four others. I drink it neat, so nothing gets in the way of the true flavor. Bench Mark, it’s my choice.

  3. Jamie
    November 20, 2010 @ 5:26 am

    I’m the guy blogging everything (sorry for this everyone) about wanting a Tobacco Palate (note nose. palate ok ) in any type of whiskey from around the world + affordable + avail in Australia only. I am poor learner and trying learn this and any help would be appropriated on what brand or what makes this happen. SO Tobacco leathery. Not Heather. Leathery Buttery Tobacco Soft fat/chewy like. . I have bought countless complete opposite good bottles just there not what I wanted so did not like. It does not help when reviews are always different. Some say tobacco some not. I do have much to spend now but a cheap + med price one maybe and list a few pricer ones for later on.

  4. Eric
    April 22, 2011 @ 2:03 am

    I seem to be the contrarian when it comes to Benchmark. I find it a bit bland. Maybe worthy of mixing up some Old Fashioneds or Manhattans, but probably better suited for a bourbon and ginger or coke.

  5. Bruce W. Ayne
    July 1, 2011 @ 2:58 am

    Benchmark totally surprised me. tastes way better than any others in its price range, but maybe tying with evan williams black. not top-shelf good, but I think comparable quality to jack, bulleit, or knob creek. (which is my favorite)

  6. GSmooth
    October 6, 2011 @ 8:02 pm

    I am a huge benchmark fan! I’m always looking for THE best bang for the buck out there. It used to be Ancient Age, but since i found Benchmark…..I’m sold. I’ve fooled plenty of bourbon afficianados by pouring it neat and having them think it was some special single barrel expensive stuff. Smooth, caramelly, great aroma. I’ll stack it up against bourbons costing 2, and 3 X as much.

  7. Diane
    November 15, 2012 @ 10:38 pm

    I totally agree with gsmooth: if money were no object I’d buy Crown Royal, but you absolutely cannot beat Benchmark for the price. I actually prefer Benchmark to Jack Daniels (Jack is usually twice the price), Evan Williams, and other more expensive brands — and I definitely prefer it to Canadian whiskey regardless of cost. It has the same oak barrel aged taste of Jack, but is smoother and not as strong tasting (in my opinion). It makes a wonderful Old Fashioned or Hot Toddy, but I usually drink it with tea (kind of my own versin of Long Island Iced Tea), ginger ale or orange juice.

    If you’ve never tried Benchmark, you really should — especially if you are on a budget but can afford to pay at least $17-$20 a bottle.

  8. Barlee
    January 26, 2013 @ 12:43 pm

    I agree that for it’s amazingly low price, Benchmark is a real keeper. For those (and their guests) who enjoy mixers, I have found that Benchmark is as good as many $10.00 + more. Let’s face it, like Evan Williams + a few others, budget conscience ones today can’t do much better for mixed drinks. We get it here (Fla) for $15.00/1.75.

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