Benchmark vs Jim Beam: What’s the Difference?

Updated July 2026.

These are two Kentucky bourbons from different companies. Jim Beam White sits in the 80-proof band on Beam’s FAQ trail. Benchmark grocery lots often read 80 proof — we did not fetch an official Benchmark PDF, so read the neck. A 1.5-ounce 40% pour is one NIAAA drink. Mash percentages are unpublished.

Benchmark is a Sazerac / Buffalo Trace Distillery family brand, not Jim Beam. Related: Benchmark vs Buffalo Trace, is Jim Beam bourbon, Jim Beam proof.

House and proof

Bottle Company Proof used 1.5 oz drinks
Jim Beam White Beam Distilling 80 — prior FAQ 1.00
Benchmark Sazerac family Often 80 1.00 if 80
Buffalo Trace flagship Same Sazerac campus 90 / Mash Bill #1 1.13
Mash-bill % Not published

A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four 80-proof pours are four drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.

Sources

  • Jim Beam 80 prior FAQ. Buffalo Trace 90 official. Benchmark proof — neck wins.
  • TTB 27 CFR 5.143. NIAAA December 2025.

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