Benchmark Egg Nog 750ML is a bourbon-blended cream liqueur bottled at 15% ABV (30 proof) in a 750ml format. Built on McAfee's Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, this seasonal release distinguishes itself by using a named straight bourbon rather than neutral or generic spirits as its whiskey base.Quick Facts: ABV: 15% (30 proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Style: Bourbon-Blended Egg Nog Liqueur | Distillery: Buffalo Trace DistilleryProduction & HeritageBuffalo Trace Distillery, a National Historic Landmark in Frankfort, Kentucky, has operated continuously on the same site for over 200 years, including through Prohibition. Benchmark Egg Nog combines their McAfee's Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon—distilled from Buffalo Trace's low-rye Mash Bill #1, composed primarily of corn with roughly 10% or less rye and malted barley—with a rich dairy cream base seasoned with traditional holiday spices. The low-rye mashbill contributes a sweeter, less peppery bourbon backbone compared to higher-rye formulations, allowing the custard and spice character to lead without harsh whiskey bite.Tasting NotesAroma: Sweet vanilla opens the nose, followed by warm cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg. A subtle bourbon presence lingers underneath, adding depth without dominating the holiday spice profile.Taste: The entry is rich and velvety, immediately delivering custard and vanilla cream across the palate. Mid-palate, warm baking spices—cinnamon and nutmeg primarily—emerge alongside gentle bourbon warmth. The whiskey component stays restrained, providing structure rather than heat, and the overall impression is smooth and dessert-like.Finish: Silky and sweet with a gentle bourbon kick that arrives late and fades gradually. Lingering nutmeg and a faint vanilla sweetness carry the finish to a clean, creamy close.How to Drink Benchmark Egg NogServe chilled, straight from the refrigerator, in a rocks glass or punch cup—no additional preparation required. A light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg on top enhances the aromatics. For cocktail applications, try these three options: a Nog White Russian, substituting Benchmark Egg Nog for cream alongside coffee liqueur and vodka for a holiday twist on the classic; a Spiked Nog Flip, shaking the egg nog with an extra half-ounce of bourbon and a dash of Angostura bitters to deepen the whiskey presence; or a Nutmeg Alexander, blending it with dark crème de cacao and shaking hard over ice for a rich, dessert-style cocktail.Best For Holiday gatherings where a ready-to-serve spiked nog saves preparation time Stocking stuffers or hostess gifts during the fall and winter season After-dinner dessert pours on Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve Bourbon enthusiasts curious about a seasonal expression from the Buffalo Trace family Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Benchmark Egg Nog taste like? Benchmark Egg Nog tastes like rich vanilla custard laced with cinnamon and nutmeg, backed by gentle bourbon warmth from its Benchmark Old No. 8 whiskey base. The overall profile is sweet, creamy, and dessert-forward with minimal alcohol heat.How does Benchmark Egg Nog compare to Evan Williams Egg Nog? Both are Kentucky bourbon-based egg nogs at similar proof points, but Benchmark leans sweeter and smoother thanks to its low-rye mashbill, while Evan Williams Original Southern Egg Nog tends to carry slightly more noticeable spice and whiskey presence. The choice often comes down to whether you prefer a creamier or bolder bourbon character in your nog.Is Benchmark Egg Nog good for holiday parties? At 15% ABV, it delivers enough bourbon presence to feel festive without overwhelming guests who prefer lighter drinks. It works well served chilled on its own and requires no mixing or additional ingredients, making it ideal for low-effort entertaining.Where is Benchmark Egg Nog made? Benchmark Egg Nog is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, using their McAfee's Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon as its whiskey base. Buffalo Trace is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States.What foods pair well with Benchmark Egg Nog? Pumpkin pie and pecan tarts complement the custard and spice notes naturally. Gingerbread cookies mirror the cinnamon-nutmeg profile. Dark chocolate truffles contrast the sweetness with bittersweet depth. A cheese course featuring aged Gouda or mascarpone-based desserts like tiramisu also pairs well with the rich, creamy texture.What sizes does Benchmark Egg Nog come in? Benchmark Egg Nog is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed format for this seasonal release.Is Benchmark Egg Nog worth the price? Benchmark Egg Nog positions firmly in the value tier of pre-made spiked egg nogs, consistent with the Benchmark brand's reputation for quality at accessible price points. The use of a named straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace rather than generic spirits gives it a quality edge over many competitors at a similar price level.Why Benchmark Egg Nog?What separates this expression from the crowded field of seasonal egg nogs is its bourbon pedigree. Rather than blending cream with anonymous whiskey or neutral grain spirits, Buffalo Trace uses their own Benchmark Old No. 8—a straight bourbon distilled from their signature low-rye Mash Bill #1. That specific mashbill choice matters: the high corn content yields a sweeter, rounder whiskey component that integrates with dairy cream and baking spices more naturally than spicier, rye-forward alternatives. For a ready-to-pour holiday pour backed by one of Kentucky's most storied distilleries, Benchmark Egg Nog delivers honest quality without pretension.
