Buffalo Trace’s Culty Sister Brand Just Dropped a Near-Hazmat Proof Bourbon

A. Smith Bowman dropped a bourbon at nearly hazmat proof. (Photo: A. Smith Bowman)

A. Smith Bowman, the sister brand to Buffalo Trace, is bringing back its critically acclaimed Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The Sazerac-owned brand’s release spent 10 years aging and clocks in at a hefty 139.7 proof.

As is usual with A. Smith Bowman releases, this bourbon is available through a lottery online that starts on Feb. 24 at noon EST and ends March 3 at noon EST. All winners must be able to head on down to A. Smith Bowman and pick those bottles up in person at the brand’s gift shop. Each bottle has a suggested retail price of $99.99.

“It’s rare to taste a high proof bourbon with such a colorful flavor profile,” A. Smith Bowman distiller David Bock said in a news release. “Our cask strength series is meant to give whiskey enthusiasts a delicious, bold and authentic tasting experience. I believe those who try Cask Strength #4 will be very pleased with this latest release.”

Cask Strength #4 is part of a process that involved year-long tastings, according to the brand, and Bock ended up choosing what he believed were the best barrels available. Each barrel spent a minimum of 10 years aging.

The brand shares that the non-chill-filtered whiskey has aromas of tree fruits like plums and apple, with a leather backbone. On the palate, there are red fruit flavors like raspberries and chocolate, coupled with a kick of cinnamon, according to the brand. The finish is said to boast an apple throughline.

“What our distillation team is trying to showcase with the Cask Strength series is an unvarnished truth of quality bourbon in its natural form,” Bock said. “There are no finishes with Cask Strength, meaning we must be meticulous when selecting barrels and blending the liquid. Each Cask Strength release is a unique sipping experience with its own special flavor profile and this fourth release is an excellent addition to the series!”

Batch 2 of A. Smith Bowman’s Cask Strength series earned a wildly impressive Raided Score® of 96 based on reviews from four critics. It was named the best bourbon of 2023 by Bottle Raiders.