Buffalo Trace’s Sister Distillery Just Dropped a Rare Bourbon Finished in Hungarian Oak

(Photo: A. Smith Bowman)

A. Smith Bowman Distillery — the Virginia-based distillery that shares a parent company with Buffalo Trace — on Monday announced the third and final release in its experimental Oak Series: Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak, a 12-year-old bourbon aged in charred Hungarian oak barrels. The limited release will be available through an online lottery from Aug. 11-18.

This release follows previous editions matured in French oak (March 2024) and American oak (November 2024). Each whiskey in the series explores how oak varietals and charring methods influence bourbon flavor.

A. Smith Bowman Head Distiller David Bock said the series began over 14 years ago as a project led by former Master Distiller Truman Cox.

“The Abraham Bowman Oak Series was about challenging everything we thought we knew about aging whiskey,” Bock said. “French Oak and American Oak dazzled us with impressive flavors and now, Hungarian Oak has delivered another delicious and unexpected whiskey. In many ways, all positive, Hungarian Oak is the opposite of what we expect from our extended aged whiskey. I know Truman would be proud to see this innovation deliver such a wonderful product.”

The bourbon is bottled at 115 proof and described by the distillery as having a “brown velvet” hue. According to tasting notes, the aroma includes candied apricot and warm honey apples, with smoky dark chocolate on the palate and a finish of dried fruit and char.

“What surprises me about Hungarian Oak is the lack of pepper or spice, which we have come to expect from our barrels that are aging ten or more years,” Bock added. “Hungarian Oak barrels seem to have replaced any spicy notes with a flavor profile that is rich and glossy. Hungarian Oak is one of the most well-rounded whiskeys I have tasted and I’m excited for our fans to try this release.”

The lottery is open to U.S. residents but requires in-person purchase at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop in Fredericksburg, Virginia, within three weeks of winning. Winners will be chosen at random on Aug. 20 and notified by email. Each 750-milliliter bottle will be sold for $79.99 plus taxes and fees.

The Abraham Bowman Collection began in 2010 with a rye whiskey release and has since featured limited-edition expressions exploring variations in mashbills, proof, finishes and aging techniques. The series honors Abraham Bowman, an 18th-century Virginia military officer and the namesake ancestor of the distillery’s founder.