Benchmark Egg Nog
Benchmark Egg Nog is a 30-proof (15% ABV) holiday cream liqueur in a 750mL bottle — a seasonal release built on McAfee's Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, blended with a rich dairy-cream base and traditional holiday spices. Where most egg nog liqueurs use neutral or generic spirits, Benchmark spikes its eggnog with a named straight bourbon, giving the custard-and-spice profile real whiskey backbone. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Proof / ABV: 30 proof / 15% ABV
- Size: 750mL
- Style: bourbon-spiked egg nog cream liqueur (seasonal)
- Origin: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Production: McAfee's Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon (low-rye mash bill) + dairy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla
Real Bourbon in Your Holiday Nog
Benchmark's story starts in 1773, when the McAfee brothers surveyed the Kentucky land that would become Buffalo Trace Distillery — and the egg nog honors that bourbon-first heritage by blending their Old No. 8 straight bourbon into a velvety dairy-cream nog. The low-rye mash bill keeps the bourbon sweet and restrained, so custard, vanilla, and baking spice lead while the whiskey provides structure instead of heat. Stock the bar for the holidays with more liqueurs, or explore everything from Benchmark at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Sweet vanilla and warm cinnamon with freshly grated nutmeg and a subtle bourbon presence underneath.
Palate: Rich and velvety — custard and vanilla cream up front, warm baking spices emerging mid-palate with gentle bourbon warmth; smooth and dessert-like.
Finish: Silky and sweet with a gentle bourbon kick that fades gradually; lingering nutmeg and faint vanilla.
How to Enjoy
Serve well-chilled over ice, straight from the fridge — or warm it gently for a fireside pour. It needs no mixing, but a dusting of fresh nutmeg and a cinnamon stick turn it into a proper holiday serve. Keep refrigerated after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What alcohol is in Benchmark Egg Nog?
McAfee's Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky straight bourbon, bottled at 15% ABV (30 proof).
Is Benchmark Egg Nog seasonal?
Yes — it's a holiday-season release, so it sells out and returns each winter.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
It's shelf-stable unopened; refrigerate after opening and enjoy within a reasonable time.
How is it different from other egg nog liqueurs?
Most use neutral or unbranded spirits — Benchmark uses its own named straight bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, giving the nog genuine whiskey character.
Holiday nog with real bourbon inside — order Benchmark Egg Nog online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA, before the season runs out.