Benchmark vs Jim Beam: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:38 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 vs Jim Beam 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 Jim Beam: Comparison

Benchmark: A light, smooth bourbon with maple, vanilla, and banana bread on the nose, leading to a palate of caramel and cinnamon. Short finish with vanilla and oak spice. Ideal for neat sipping.

Jim Beam: Characterized by caramel and vanilla aromas with a palate of toasty oak and black pepper. The finish is short with caramel and oak spice, better suited for cocktails.

Verdict: Benchmark and Jim Beam cater to different preferences within the bourbon spectrum. Benchmark offers a smooth, approachable experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy their bourbon neat without breaking the bank. Jim Beam, with its distinct character, serves well in cocktails, adding depth and complexity to a variety of mixes, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Each has its place, depending on whether you’re looking for a casual sipper or a versatile mixer.

Related: Top Bourbons under $20

Benchmark: A Light and Smooth Option for Casual Enjoyment

Nose: Maple, vanilla, banana bread
Palate: Caramel, cinnamon, oak
Finish: Vanilla, oak spice, caramel
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Evan Williams

Benchmark opens with a pleasantly smooth and sweet aroma, offering hints of honey, creamy vanilla, and a touch of warm banana bread. It’s an approachable invitation, setting the stage for a casual sipping experience.

On the palate, the spirit presents a lighter and easygoing texture. Subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and a whisper of oak spice dance across your tongue. While some may describe it as “thin,” the focus is on smoothness and approachability rather than complexity.

The finish is short and clean, leaving behind a fleeting sweetness of vanilla and caramel alongside a touch of oak spice. Although not lingering, it provides a crisp and satisfying conclusion to the journey.

A Budget-Friendly Alternative:

Benchmark shines as a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a light and easygoing whiskey experience. Sharing a similar mash bill with Buffalo Trace but aged for a shorter period, it offers a younger and more approachable profile at a significantly lower price point.

Consider Its Strengths:

While Benchmark may not boast complex flavors, it excels in its smoothness, ease of drinking, and lack of any off-putting notes. It’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter and less spicy whiskey experience.

Mixing Considerations:

Due to its subtle flavor profile, Benchmark might not translate as well in bold cocktails that require a robust base. However, it can function well in simple mixers or highballs where its smoothness shines through.

Benchmark Bourbon facts:

McAfee’s Benchmark Old No. 8 is aged for a mere 2 years, using the same mash as Buffalo Trace.
It is crafted at the Buffalo Trace distillery known for producing exceptional bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, and Blanton’s.
The bourbon’s full name is McAfee’s Benchmark Old No. 8, named after the McAfee brothers who surveyed the land that now houses Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Jim Beam: A Classic Choice for Casual Enjoyment

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, hay, corn
Palate: Toasty oak, peanut, vanilla, black pepper, oak spice
Finish: Short-lived, caramel, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Cocktails
Similar to: Wild Turkey

Jim Beam opens with a bold aroma showcasing rich corn and buttery butterscotch notes. A touch of peppery spice peeks through, adding a hint of intrigue. While some might detect a subtle ethanol note, it doesn’t overshadow the overall warmth.

On the palate, Jim Beam offers a light and easygoing experience. The familiar flavors of sweet corn, vanilla, and butterscotch take center stage, joined by a touch of black pepper warmth. Some may perceive a hint of “nail polish,” but it’s fleeting and doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. The signature roasted peanut note characteristic of Jim Beam whiskeys adds a unique touch.

The finish is short and crisp, leaving behind a lingering sweetness balanced by a touch of oak warmth and subtle pepper spice. It may not linger for hours, but it provides a clean and satisfying conclusion to the sip.

A Versatile Everyday Whiskey:

Jim Beam shines as a go-to choice for casual enjoyment or as a base for affordable cocktails. Its uncomplicated profile and approachable price point make it a popular option for gatherings and everyday relaxation.

Sipping Suggestions:

While not its forte, Jim Beam can be enjoyed neat, especially for those who prefer a lighter and spicier whiskey experience. Adding a drop of water or enjoying it on the rocks can further smooth out the profile if desired.

Jim Beam facts:

The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
Jim Beam is aged for 4 years in new charred oak barrels.
It is one of the best-selling bourbons globally, although it doesn’t outsell Jack Daniel’s, which is classified as Tennessee Whiskey, not bourbon.