Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:58 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 Small Batch vs Buffalo Trace in this in-depth 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 Small Batch vs Buffalo Trace: Comparison
Benchmark Small Batch: A spunky sipper with vanilla, caramel, and baking spice on the nose; candy corn and oak spice on the palate. Satisfying, but not overly complex.
Buffalo Trace: Classic bourbon with caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla, balanced by oak and espresso. Smooth and satisfying with a rich finish.
Verdict: Both Benchmark Small Batch and Buffalo Trace offer enjoyable bourbon experiences from the same distillery. Benchmark Small Batch presents a decent, straightforward profile, making it a good budget-friendly option.Buffalo Trace stands out for its rich flavor, smooth experience, and good depth, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Benchmark Bourbons
Benchmark Small Batch: A Respectable Sipper with Spunky Spice
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, baking spice, ethanol
- Palate: Vanilla, candy corn, baking spice, oak spice
- Finish: Caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Benchmark Single Barrel
Inviting Aroma: Benchmark Small Batch greets you with a warm embrace of vanilla and sweet caramel. A hint of baking spices adds a touch of comfort, while the subtle alcohol presence stays in the background.
Smooth & Familiar Palate: This bourbon offers a medium body, neither too light nor heavy. The taste is like a familiar friend, with notes of sweet candy corn, comforting vanilla, and familiar baking spices. A touch of oak spice adds a pleasant balance, preventing it from being overly sweet.
Moderate Finish: The finish lingers for a moderate time, leaving a gentle warmth and echoes of caramel and oak spice. It’s satisfying but not overwhelmingly complex.
A Step Up from Standard Benchmark: Compared to the younger Benchmark, the Small Batch boasts a more robust flavor profile thanks to its higher proof and slightly longer aging.
Spicier Than Buffalo Trace: Bourbon enthusiasts familiar with Buffalo Trace might find Benchmark Small Batch livelier due to its shorter aging and emphasis on oak spice.
Solid Choice for Casual Drinking: Benchmark Small Batch won’t win awards for innovation, but it delivers reliable flavors with a touch more personality. It’s smooth, easy to sip, and affordable, making it a good option for casual drinking or mixing cocktails.
Explore the Benchmark Range: The Benchmark brand offers a variety of bourbons. If you seek a richer or more unique experience, consider exploring other expressions within the brand.
Benchmark Small Batch in Short:
- A 4-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
- Smooth and approachable with familiar flavors of vanilla, caramel, and baking spices.
- A good choice for casual sipping or mixing cocktails at an affordable price.
- Consider it a stepping stone to explore other bourbons within the Benchmark range.
Buffalo Trace: A Classic Comfort, Smoothly Sipped
- Nose: Caramel, cinnamon, baking spice, cereal
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, oak, espresso coffee, chocolate
- Finish: Vanilla, baking spice, oak
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
- Similar to: Buffalo Trace Single Barrel
Warm & Inviting Aroma: Buffalo Trace opens with a welcoming scent of warm caramel melting into soft vanilla. Delicate hints of baking spices add a touch of comfort, setting the stage for a pleasant sipping experience.
Balanced & Spicy Palate: While spices take center stage, showcasing oak influence and fruity notes, they remain balanced. The sweetness of caramel and vanilla peeks through, creating a pleasant harmony. The smooth mouthfeel caresses your palate with minimal heat.
Satisfying Finish: The finish lingers with rich impressions of vanilla and baking spice, like a sigh of contentment after a warm hug.
A Well-Crafted Bourbon: Buffalo Trace stands out as a well-crafted bourbon for relaxed sipping moments. The medium to full body provides a substantial feel, while the smooth texture ensures easy enjoyment. The fruity and oaky notes dance in harmony with the moderately spicy finish, creating a well-rounded experience.
Your Favorite Comfort Sweater: Imagine your favorite cozy sweater – reliable, familiar, and undeniably satisfying. That’s Buffalo Trace. While not the most extravagant bourbon, it delivers a consistently enjoyable experience. It’s perfect to savor neat, without needing water or ice to mask imperfections.
Great for Everyday Sipping: If you’re a bourbon enthusiast seeking a dependable mid-range bourbon for everyday sipping, Buffalo Trace is a strong contender. It might not be the star of complex cocktails, but it shines as a classic comfort drink for quiet moments of appreciation.
Buffalo Trace in Short:
- A well-crafted Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a smooth texture and balanced flavor profile.
- Aged for 8 years using a unique process that maximizes flavor development.
- Perfect for everyday sipping and savoring neat, thanks to its balanced and complete taste.
- A reliable and familiar choice for bourbon enthusiasts, like a favorite comfort item.
What do they have in common?
Both Benchmark and Buffalo Trace are produced at the same distillery, bottled at the same proof, and made from the same mash bill that is also shared by other labels such as Eagle Rare, Stagg Jr, and EH Taylor.
Among these Buffalo Trace offerings, my personal favorite is the EH Taylor label.
How do Benchmark Small Batch and Buffalo Trace differ?
The distinction between the Benchmark Small Batch and Buffalo Trace lies in their respective aging processes.
Buffalo Trace is aged for approximately 8 years, while the Benchmark Small Batch undergoes aging for about 4 years.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Benchmark Small Batch | $20 |
| Buffalo Trace | $35 |