About the product
McAfee's Benchmark Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a premium craft whiskey crafted in the heart of Kentucky. Each bottle represents a unique barrel selection, delivering distinctive character and complexity that bourbon enthusiasts appreciate.
This single barrel expression showcases rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak with a smooth, warming finish. Bottled at full proof to preserve the authentic flavor profile, it's ideal for sipping neat or enjoying in your favorite bourbon cocktail.
Perfect for collectors and connoisseurs seeking quality and individuality in every pour.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Taste Notes
- Nose: Surprisingly complex for the price. Dominant aromas of toasted oak, baking spices (nutmeg/cinnamon), and a distinct hint of cherry candy and pears.
- Palate: A smooth, medium-bodied entry. It features classic Buffalo Trace notes of caramel and vanilla custard, balanced by a spicy "rye twang" and citrus undertones.
- Finish: Medium-to-long and warming. It leaves a drying oak presence with lingering notes of white pepper, sweet cinnamon, and leather.
Food Pairings
- Savory: Smoked Brisket or Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. The 95-proof strength and oak tannins cut through animal fats and match the smokiness of BBQ.
- Cheese: Smoked Gouda or Extra Sharp Cheddar. The caramel sweetness of the bourbon complements the nuttiness of the cheese, while the rye spice stands up to the sharp tang.
- Sweet: Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce or Pecan Toffee. The bourbon's pear and cinnamon notes act as a natural extension of orchard fruit desserts.
About the brand
Benchmark is a value-focused label produced by the world-renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is named after the McAfee brothers, who surveyed the site of the current distillery in 1773. This "Single Barrel" expression is part of a 2020 brand expansion designed to offer premium whiskey styles at an accessible price point. It shares the exact same high-rye Mash Bill #1 as legendary bourbons like Eagle Rare, E.H. Taylor, and Buffalo Trace, but is typically pulled from younger barrels.
