Following the successful launch of its Oak Series back in March, A. Smith Bowman has unveiled the second addition to the line, Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak. The collection explores cask maturation in different oak varietals from around the world, as well as barrel char’s effect on whiskey flavor.
The second edition finds the brand focusing on American white oak. While all bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels, American white oak has long been the industry standard. Nonetheless, most bourbons only age between four to six years in these charred barrels. Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak is made from a blend of liquids aged in charred American white oak barrels for 12 years, imparting a deep and complex profile to the whiskey within.
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“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,” says A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s head distiller David Bock. “American Oak, as the tried-and-true oak for whiskey making, is a vital part of this experiment as we compare numerous experimental oak options.”
The liquid itself features a vibrant red tint and offers aromas of tart apple and dried berries. The palate delivers a balanced blend of raspberry jam and vanilla followed by a smokey undertone. The smooth finish features a lingering sweetness.
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“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 nine-and-a-half to 10 years,” adds Bock. “A whiskey that has sat for 12-plus 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 that I think our fans will love.”
Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak will be exclusively available for purchase through an online lottery. It began on November 25 and runs through December 2. Lottery winners will be announced on December 4.
Bottled at 135 proof, Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak is priced at $80 per bottle. For more information on entering the lottery and details on the whiskey, head over to the official website.
