At a very reasonable price, I picked up a 100ml bottle of Benchmark Bourbon Old No. 8 Brand—a label proudly produced by the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery. This bourbon pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of the McAfee brothers—James, George, and Robert—who ventured into what was then uncharted territory, now known as Kentucky. Let’s dive in and explore what this bourbon has to offer.

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Nose: caramel, vanilla and oak

Palate: oak, cherries and vanilla

Finish: smooth, creamy and hints of leather

ABV: 40%

Cost: $2.29 (what we paid for 100ml; $23.99 for 1.75l)

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This is a well-crafted bourbon that, to me, closely resembles Buffalo Trace Bourbon. In fact, I tasted them side by side and found their profiles strikingly similar. It’s easy to sip, light on the ABV, and approachable enough that even non-bourbon drinkers might enjoy it. Overall, it’s a solid pour—but if you already have Buffalo Trace Bourbon in your collection, you may not need to add this one.

What I truly appreciate about this Bourbon are two things: its affordability and its drinkability. The lower ABV plays a big role in that, but it’s also smooth and creamy, with inviting notes of vanilla, cherries, and a subtle hint of leather. At this price point, it’s hard to go wrong.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.