Experience a true piece of bourbon history with the 1970 Seagram's BENCHMARK. This extraordinary Kentucky Straight Bourbon offers a serene journey through time, revealing complex layers of dried fruit, mature oak, and refined spice that only decades of careful slumber can produce. A testament to a bygone era of distilling, it promises an unparalleled tasting experience for the discerning connoisseur.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated, evolved nose greets you with initial notes of dried apricot and fig, mingling with classic bourbon sweetness of vanilla bean and aged caramel. Subtly, there's an underpinning of old leather, polished oak, and a whisper of antique spice cabinet – clove and nutmeg. Given its age, a faint earthiness, reminiscent of damp cellar stone, might also be perceptible, suggesting a mature and contemplative character.

Palate: The entry is remarkably smooth and mellow, immediately showcasing a rich tapestry of flavors. Sweet caramel and butterscotch notes are prominent, quickly followed by dried dark fruits – plum, raisin, and a hint of cherry cordials. The influence of mature oak is evident but refined, contributing notes of toasted nuts, baking spices (cinnamon, allspice), and a gentle tannic grip on the mid-palate. Despite the lack of proof stated, the mouthfeel feels substantial and full-bodied, suggesting a well-integrated alcohol presence.

Finish: The finish is long, warm, and exceptionally elegant. It lingers with echoes of dried fruit and caramel, slowly transitioning to a pleasant, peppery rye spice and well-worn leather. A delicate ghost of toasted oak and a touch of dark chocolate bitterness provide complexity, leaving a satisfying dryness that encourages another sip. The absence of harshness is a testament to its age and quality.

About the Distillery

Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, a Canadian company, had a significant presence in the American whiskey market, particularly in Kentucky. While they were better known for their blended whiskies, their foray into straight bourbon production, especially in the mid-20th century, yielded some remarkable and often overlooked expressions. This 1970 bottling represents a period before many of the later bourbon booms, produced with processes and distillation styles that are distinctly of that era.