A. Smith Bowman Distillery today announces the launch of Abraham Bowman Oak Series, a new set of experimental American whiskeys joining the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection. This exciting new series demonstrates A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of American whiskey making methodologies while celebrating the legacy of Abraham Bowman, the great-grandfather of the Distillery’s founder, Abram Smith Bowman.
The Abraham Bowman Oak Series explores cask maturation in different oak varietals from around the world, as well as the effect charring has on the flavor of whiskey. For the inaugural release, A. Smith Bowman Distillery introduces Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak. This unique whiskey is made from an award-winning mash bill and brings a flavor profile unlike any of its counterparts in the collection, blending a mix of liquids aged for 12 years in French Oak barrels both with and without char.
“These barrels sat for an extended period of time to maximize the differences among them,” said Head Distiller David Bock. “Once blended together, the vanilla from the no-char barrels helps balance out the pepper notes from the charred barrels, creating a dynamic and delicious blend. We are very pleased with the final result.”
Bottled at 100 proof, Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak has a muted caramel color, similar to that of a newly minted penny. On the nose, the aroma of cherry and caramel engulf your glass. A sweet vanilla and a spice note are very pronounced on the pallet, as is the oak from the extended aging. The finish is a crisp cinnamon apple.
“French Oak is teaching us that experimenting with wood can bring some exciting nuances to the flavor profile of a distillate,” said Bock. “As the upcoming Oak Series releases continue to age, we are excited to explore what will come next in the Abraham Bowman collection.”
Inspired by his pioneering spirit, the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection honors Abraham’s legacy of innovation, mastery and adventure. More than 150 years before his great-grandson established Virginia’s oldest distillery, Abraham traversed the territories of the Thirteen Colonies as a Colonel of Virginia’s 8th Regiment. The 8th regiment was heavily engaged in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, solidifying their role in the American Revolution.
The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection of whiskeys began in 2010 with the release of Abraham Bowman Rye Whiskey. Each edition of the Abraham Bowman Collection reflects innovation and creativity coming from our Master Distillers Brian Prewitt, the late Truman Cox and current Head Distiller David Bock. Previous releases in the Abraham Bowman Collection have explored different mash bills, aging techniques, proofs, finishes and more.
The opportunity to purchase a limited bottle of Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak will occur through an online lottery taking place from April 4 – April 11. Consumers nationwide are invited to enter the lottery, however winners MUST purchase in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop within three weeks of winning. Limit one entry per person.
About A. Smith Bowman Distillery
As Virginia’s oldest distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s rich history dates back to 1927, when Abram Smith Bowman purchased 7,200-acres in Fairfax County, Virginia. Named Sunset Hills Farm, the Bowman Family were grain and dairy farmers until the fields became so abundant that Bowman needed a use for the excess grain. In 1934, he built a groundbreaking distillery on the farmland and, with the help of his two sons, produced the first-ever batch of Virginia Gentleman Whiskey
Today, the historic distillery has relocated 60 miles away to Fredericksburg, where it operates as a small, family-owned company continuing the time-honored traditions on which it was founded, producing premium handcrafted spirits in small batches and experimental editions that embody innovation at its core. Award-winning products produced at A. Smith Bowman Distillery include Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon, John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon, the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection, Deep Run Vodka, Sunset Hills Gin, George Bowman Caribbean Rum and Mary Hite Bowman Caramel Bourbon Cream, among others. In 2023, Cask Strength won Gold medals at multiple competitions including the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the American Whiskey Masters.
