Benchmark 1.75L

Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.75L is an 80-proof (40% ABV) bourbon produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. With 67 total awards to its name — including a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge — this budget-friendly handle punches well above its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA  |  Aged at least 36 months  |  Distillery: Buffalo Trace

Production & Heritage

Benchmark Old No. 8 is distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery, a National Historic Landmark whose bourbon-making history stretches back to 1775. It is produced using Mash Bill #1 — the same low-rye corn-dominant recipe behind Buffalo Trace's flagship bourbon and several of its more acclaimed expressions. The spirit is aged for a minimum of 36 months in new charred American oak barrels, then proofed down to 80 proof, the legal minimum for bourbon. That combination of the youngest age statement and lowest proof in the Mash Bill #1 lineup gives Benchmark its distinctly light and approachable character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light caramel leads, followed by delicate stone fruit — think white peach — with hints of green apple and mild vanilla rounding out the nose. It is understated but clean, with no harsh ethanol bite.

Taste: The entry is mellow and caramel-sweet, building into toasted oak and a touch of dried tobacco at the mid-palate. Hints of dried cherry and a whisper of cinnamon emerge alongside subtle chocolate notes. The rye spiciness common in many bourbons is noticeably dialed back here, letting the sweeter grain character dominate.

Finish: Clean and dry, with gentle oak spice and a light peppery warmth that fades quickly. The short finish keeps things refreshing and makes Benchmark easy to return to sip after sip.

How to Drink Benchmark

At 80 proof, Benchmark is ready to drink neat or over a large ice cube without needing additional water. Its mild profile makes it an ideal mixing bourbon. Try it in a Bourbon Highball, where the light caramel sweetness pairs naturally with sparkling water and a lemon twist. It works well in an Old Fashioned — the mellow oak and vanilla hold up alongside bitters and a sugar cube without overwhelming the drink. A Whiskey Sour is another strong match, as the bourbon's clean, slightly fruity character blends seamlessly with fresh citrus.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar for regular cocktail mixing
• Hosting parties or gatherings where bourbon consumption is high-volume
• Introducing non-whiskey drinkers to bourbon in a gentle way
• Keeping a reliable everyday sipper on hand without a premium price tag

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Benchmark taste like? Benchmark Old No. 8 leads with mellow caramel sweetness and toasted oak, followed by subtle dried cherry, light tobacco, and a hint of cinnamon. The finish is clean, dry, and short, with gentle pepper warmth.

How does Benchmark compare to Basil Hayden's? Both bourbons prioritize approachability and a softer flavor profile that appeals to casual drinkers, but they sit at very different price points — Benchmark is positioned as an ultra-budget bourbon while Basil Hayden's is a premium expression. Basil Hayden's uses a high-rye mash bill for more spice, whereas Benchmark's low-rye Mash Bill #1 emphasizes sweetness and grain character.

Is Benchmark good for cocktails? Benchmark is one of the strongest cocktail bourbons at its price point, thanks to its clean, uncomplicated flavor profile and 80-proof balance. It mixes easily into classics like Old Fashioneds, Whiskey Sours, and Highballs without dominating or disappearing.

Where is Benchmark made? Benchmark Old No. 8 is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery sits along the Kentucky River on a site that has been producing bourbon continuously for over two centuries.

What foods pair well with Benchmark? Grilled burgers or smoked brisket complement the bourbon's oak and caramel notes. Apple pie or peach cobbler echo its stone fruit aromatics. Sharp cheddar cheese works against the subtle sweetness, and roasted pecans highlight the toasted grain character.

What sizes does Benchmark come in? Benchmark Old No. 8 is widely available in 750ml and 1.75L formats, with 375ml bottles also found in some markets.

Is Benchmark worth the price? Benchmark positions as Buffalo Trace's entry-level bourbon and is one of the most affordable Kentucky straight bourbons on the market. With 67 competition awards including a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge, it consistently over-delivers for its value tier.

Why Benchmark?

Benchmark Old No. 8 shares its DNA with some of the most sought-after American whiskeys — it comes off the same column stills, uses the same Mash Bill #1, and ages in the same Buffalo Trace warehouses as bourbons that cost five to fifty times more. The difference is time and proof: at 36 months and 80 proof, it is the leanest, most straightforward expression of that recipe. That simplicity is the point. For anyone who needs a dependable bourbon for daily pours and cocktail duty, Benchmark's 67 awards and Gold Medal pedigree confirm that budget pricing does not have to mean compromised quality.