A. Smith Bowman’s New Bourbon Is a ‘Pursuit of Making the Best Whiskey Possible’

A. Smith Bowman unveiled its second offering within the brand’s  Abraham Bowman Oak Series, which honors different types of oak. (Photo: A. Smith Bowman)

A. Smith Bowman Distillery, a cult whiskey brand based out of Virginia, announced on Wednesday the release of the second whiskey within its Abraham Bowman Oak Series, and this whiskey was matured in charred American White Oak barrels.

The blend of bourbons for A. Smith Bowman American Oak was aged for 12 years in new charred American white oak barrels before it was bottled at 135 proof. It hosts a suggested retail price of $79.99 and those interested in purchasing a bottle must enter A. Smith Bowman’s online lottery via this form. Winners will be selected on Dec. 4 and will have to travel to the distillery in Virginia to pick it up in person.

Those who are selected must pick up their bottles before 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 22.

“We know American White Oak as today’s trusted wood for aging whiskey, but this experiment is about testing numerous oak varietals in pursuit of making the best whiskey possible,” A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s Head Distillery David Bock said in a statement. “American Oak, as the tried-and-true oak for whiskey making is a vital part of this experiment as we compare numerous oak options.”

A. Smith Bowman describes Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak as possessing aromas of “tart apple and dried berries.” The Virginia whiskey brand proclaims a complex palate with flavors of raspberry jam and smoke. The finish is long and persistent with plenty of sweetness.

“Immediately, what stood out to me was how different American Oak was in comparison to our John J. Single Barrel Bourbon, which is aged for about 9.5-10 years,” Bock expressed. “A whiskey that has sat for 12+ years has the potential to be too oak forward, but I am very pleased that American Oak has a delicious balance of flavor components. When blending American Oak, we landed at 135 proof to showcase the tart apple paired with hints of pepper notes, which makes a really enjoyable spirit I think our fans will love.”

A. Smith Bowman launched The Abraham Bowman Oak Series in March with the founder of the brand, Abraham Bowman, in mind.

The series was meant to honor Bowman’s “pioneering spirit” as he explored Virginia’s uncharted territories and fought in the American Revolution, according to the brand.