Benson Valley Kentucky Bourbon Review – High Rye 90 Proof
Sometimes, it’s not about proof. Sometimes, it’s about patience and knowing what’s coming will be worth the wait.
About Benson Valley Bourbon
“A Legacy of Excellence” – Benson Valley website
Benson Valley Bourbon is a part of the movement reclaiming old Kentucky lands and history to reinvigorate it for the modern world. The distillery sits on the land that was once home to the Old Kennebec Distillery, which was distilling as far back as the 1930s.
In 2022, the Benson Valley Distributors acquired the site with a vision “to revive its rich heritage and build a brand rooted in authenticity” (Benson Valley Website)
Benson Valley has committed to using one of the most renowned aspects of the Old Kennebec Distillery their use of unique 10-hoop barrels, which supposedly resulted in better (and more efficient) aging. Additionally, Benson Valley’s bourbon utilizes the same quality Kentucky limestone source as the historic site.
Stats
- Age: 5 yr
- Proof: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- Mashbill: Undisclosed (at least 51% corn and 20+% rye)
- Origin: Undisclosed, Kentucky — (Uses Benson Valley limestone stone water for proofing)
- Release: Ongoing, Small Batch
- MSRP: $41.99
Scores
- Nose: Snickerdoodle, brown-sugared pecans, and a subtle hint of peppermint. A sweet-and-spice-forward aroma that’s inviting without being overpowering
- Palate: Light caramel and baking spices lead the way. The mid-palate shows a slight graininess and lighter body, but stays pleasant and approachable.
- Finish: Cinnamon and honey-drizzled sopapilla notes linger, bringing warmth and sweetness that elevate the sip.
- Presentation: A unique square bottle paired with a minimalistic label and legacy imagery gives this one strong shelf appeal.
A nicely balanced sweet-and-spicy bourbon. While the mid-palate runs a touch light and grain-forward, the cinnamon-spice finish pulls the experience upward. This shines as a cocktail bourbon and would make an excellent Old Fashioned pour.
Buy this if you:
- Enjoy a low proof, higher rye spice
- Want a high-end cocktail mixer
- Desire to support a new distillery reinventing the past
Skip if you:
- Prefer higher proof
- Want less rye spice profile
- Need a higher proof/value ratio
The price tag of $41.99 (Bourbon Outfitters) feels slightly high for a lower proof bourbon but this is Kentucky and a new distillery. They have plans to be fully distilling in the next few years on their historic land. It’s just a matter of whether you feel it is worth the wait.
For those who prefer numbers, here’s the full score breakdown:
- Nose: 4 / 7
- Palate: 3.5 / 7
- Finish: 4.5 /7
- Presentation: 5 / 7
- Value: 5 / 7
Bourbon Bishop Rating: 4.4 / 7 – Angelic
| Score | Descriptor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | Hell No | Drain pour. Seriously undrinkable. |
| 1.1–2 | Purgatory | Bad, but could be worse. Only in extreme cases. |
| 2.1–3 | Only Earthly | Just okay. Best used as a mixer. |
| 3.1–4 | Bliss | Passable sipper. Works well in cocktails. |
| 4.1–5 | Angelic | Good to great. High value for the price. |
| 5.1–6 | Divine | Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style. |
| 6.1–7 | Holy Heaven | Out-of-this-world. A true unicorn. |
Disclosure: This bottle was provided to me free of charge for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
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