Benchmark Old No8 Bourbon

As the name would suggest, we think this is a Benchmark Bourbon against which all other 'house' pours should be judged. Perhaps not as well known as a couple of the big boys over here in the UK, but the Benchmark No8 has them licked. Arguably the perfect cocktail pour, and perfect for mixing in long-drinks, the No8 is smooth enough and complex enough to stand up as a damn fine straight pour or on the rocks Bourbon too.

The nose bears caramel notes with a delicate stone-fruit backdrop. A robust and sturdy palate with some fine leather notes mingling with dry tobacco, a touch of oak and a hint of dried cherries. The finish is smooth and calming.

In 1773, three McAfee Brothers named James, George and Robert left Virginia westward to explore the uncharted territory that would later become known as Kentucky. Traveling by canoe at first, the McAfee Company eventually followed a native trail overland that led to the great buffalo crossing, where the brothers surveyed the land now home to the world’s most award-winning distillery – Buffalo Trace Distillery. The surveyor marks left behind are known as benchmarks and this bourbon whiskey honors the pioneering spirits of these early American explorers.