Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:31 pm
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 vs Evan Williams 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 vs Evan Williams: Comparison
Benchmark: (80 proof) Smooth with maple, vanilla, and banana bread aromas, and a palate of caramel and cinnamon. Ideal for those preferring light, easy-sipping bourbon.
Evan Williams: (90 proof) Rich in caramel, vanilla, and honey aromas, with a honey and spice palate. A great choice for enthusiasts looking for warmth and affordability and making cocktails.
The Verdict: Both whiskies offer unique experiences. Benchmark is noted for its simplicity and smoothness, while Evan Williams stands out for its rich flavors, excellent value, and relatively high-proof, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Cheap Bourbon Picks for less than $20
Benchmark: Smooth, Simple, Easy to Drink
- 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: Jack Daniel’s
Aroma: Sweet and inviting, with hints of maple syrup, vanilla, and banana bread. A pleasant start.
Taste: Here’s where things fall short. It’s thin and light, lacking the satisfying texture found in other bourbons. The flavors are simple – vanilla, caramel, and a touch of oak spice – but fade quickly.
Finish: Almost nonexistent, with brief hints of those same flavors.
Good, but not great: Compared to heavier hitters like Buffalo Trace (made by the same distillery!), Benchmark feels watered down. Its lower age and proof contribute to that lighter experience.
Here’s the deal:
- Smooth and easy to drink: No harshness or unpleasant flavors.
- Simple flavor profile: Vanilla, caramel, and oak, but not very complex.
- Not ideal for cocktails: Lacks depth and punch needed for strong mixed drinks.
- Affordable: A good budget option if you prefer something light and easy.
Bonus facts:
- Aged only 2 years (compared to Buffalo Trace’s 6-8).
- Lower proof (80) than Buffalo Trace (90).
- Made at the same distillery as Pappy Van Winkle and Weller!
So, if you’re looking for a light, sweet bourbon that doesn’t break the bank, Benchmark could fit the bill. But if you crave more flavor and complexity, you might want to explore other options.
Evan Williams: Sweet, Warm, and Wallet-Friendly
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, honey, ethanol
- Palate: Honey, spice, old leather, oak char
- Finish: Old leather, oak char, spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Larceny Small Batch
Aroma: Honey, caramel, and vanilla take center stage, with a hint of alcohol warmth. Simple, but inviting.
Taste: Medium-bodied and textured, offering sweetness balanced by a touch of aged leather and subtle oak char.
Finish: Bites with lingering spice and a hint of that leather note. Adding water smooths it out and enhances the sweetness.
Is it award-winning? Not quite. But for an everyday bourbon, it holds its own.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Flavor: Straightforward sweetness with hints of leather and oak.
- Price: Affordable, making it a good budget pick.
- Cocktails: Perfect for mixing, letting the warmth and character shine through.
Bonus facts:
- Made with corn, rye, and malted barley.
- Aged 4 years (used to be 7!).
- Crafted at Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky.
Evan Williams might not be fancy, but it’s a reliable bourbon that gets the job done. Cheers!
How do Evan Williams and Benchmark Bourbon differ?
The key distinction between Benchmark and Evan Williams lies in their proof.
Evan Williams is bottled at a higher 94 proof, which is relatively high for bourbon in the bottom shelf category.
On the other hand, Benchmark is offered at a more modest 80-proof.
This difference in proof contributes to variations in their flavor profiles and overall drinking experience.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Benchmark Bourbon No. 8 | $20* |
| Evan Williams Black Label | $27* |