Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:07 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Benchmark Bourbon vs Jack Daniel’s in this head-to-head comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Benchmark Bourbon vs Jack Daniel’s: Comparison
Benchmark Bourbon: Sweet aroma with hints of maple and vanilla, leading to a smooth yet simple palate of caramel and cinnamon. A budget-friendly option for easy sipping.
Jack Daniel’s: Starts with a sweet banana and caramel nose, then surprises with a fiery oak char finish. Best enjoyed in classic mixed drinks like Jack and Coke.
Key Difference: Bourbon roots vs. Tennessee twist: Benchmark’s classic bourbon profile contrasts with Jack Daniel’s charcoal-filtered production method.
Verdict: Both Benchmark Bourbon and Jack Daniel’s cater to different drinking experiences; Benchmark is for those seeking a smooth, uncomplicated sip, and Jack Daniel’s is for fans of iconic cocktails seeking a unique flavor profile, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Jack Daniel’s Best Substitutes
Benchmark Bourbon: Sweet on the Nose, Light on the Palate
- Nose: Maple, vanilla, banana bread
- Palate: Caramel, cinnamon, oak
- Finish: Vanilla, oak spice, caramel
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Old Crow
Honeycomb Dream: Benchmark’s aroma promises sweetness with hints of honey, vanilla, and a comforting whiff of banana bread.
Subtle Sipping: On the palate, it’s smooth and easy to drink, but a bit thin and watery. Vanilla, caramel, and oak spice peek through, but don’t expect an explosion of flavor.
Short & Simple: The finish is quick, leaving behind fading echoes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Not complex, but inoffensive.
Budget-Friendly Sip: While not top-shelf, Benchmark delivers decent value for its price. It avoids the harshness sometimes found in budget spirits, making it a smooth sipper.
Cocktail Conundrum: It might not be your go-to mixer. The subtle flavors get lost in bolder cocktails, lacking the punch of some other options.
Buffalo Trace Roots: Fun fact – Benchmark shares the same mash bill as the renowned Buffalo Trace, but at a lower proof, so it’s like a lighter version of its famous cousin.
The Lowdown:
- Aged: 2 years
- Nickname: McAfee’s Benchmark Old No. 8
- Kentucky-born, from the Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Sweet aroma, smooth sip, short finish
- Good value for casual sipping, might not stand out in cocktails
In a Nutshell: Benchmark offers a pleasant, easy-drinking bourbon at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a smooth sipper without breaking the bank, it’s a decent choice. However, for complex flavors or bold cocktails, you might want to explore other options.
Jack Daniel’s: A Sweet Start, Fiery Finish (Best in a Mix)
- Nose: Banana, oak, brown sugar, wood polish
- Palate: Caramel, banana, oak char, cinnamon
- Finish: Citrus, black pepper, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Coke
- Similar to: Jack Daniel’s Bonded
Bananas Foster Anyone? Jack Daniel’s greets your nose with a sweet wave of banana, caramel, and oak, like a boozy dessert.
Sweetness Cut Short: The first sip offers a promising sweetness, but then…bam! The intense oak char bitterness takes over, leaving a lingering peppery heat. Not exactly smooth sailing.
Quick Finish, Lingering Burn: The finish is swift, leaving a fiery pepper zing with a hint of citrus and an unexpected “glue” note. Not the most pleasant aftertaste.
Sipping? Not So Much: This Jack ain’t built for solo sipping. The overwhelming heat and odd flavors make it a tough solo act.
Mix It Up! But oh, in a mixer, it shines! The ice and cola tame the beast, transforming it into a classic and refreshing drink. Think Jack and Coke, a match made in heaven (and highball glasses).
King of Cocktails: Jack Daniel’s reigns supreme in the mixed drink world, rivaling even Caribbean rums for its blendability. So if you love your Jack and Coke (or ginger ale), you’re golden.
Beyond the Mix: But for neat or on-the-rocks enjoyment, you might want to explore other options. Jack shines best with some company in a glass, not solo on your palate.
The Lowdown:
- Mashbill: 80% corn, 12% barley, 8% rye
- Aged: “Taster-determined” (not stated years)
- Charcoal filtered for smoothness
- Best-selling whiskey globally (over 100 million bottles/year)
- Part of the Brown-Forman family (Old Forester, Woodford Reserve)
In a Nutshell: Jack Daniel’s offers a distinct banana-caramel aroma with a sweet start that gets hijacked by oak bitterness. Its finish might not impress neat sippers, but it truly shines in mixed drinks, especially the iconic Jack and Coke. So raise a glass, but only if you plan to mix it up!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Benchmark Bourbon | $11 |
| Jack Daniel’s | $26 |