A. Smith Bowman Distillery Releases Oak Series: American Oak, Second In Its Experimental Series Exploring Oak Varietals

A. Smith Bowman Distillery today announces the release of Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak, the second experimental whiskey to debut from its Abraham Bowman Oak Series. Following the March 2024 inaugural series release featuring French Oak, 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 its second release, A. Smith Bowman Distillery introduces the classic American White Oak to the Abraham Bowman Oak Series.

“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” said 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.” 

Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak is made from a blend of liquids aged in charred American White Oak barrels. Though American White Oak is the industry standard, most bourbons typically age in these barrels anywhere from four to six years. American Oak, however, is aged for 12 years and brings an exciting new dynamic in the Distillery’s pursuit of making the best whiskey possible. With its smooth flavor and beautiful color, this bourbon exemplifies the richness and quality resulting from aging in American White Oak barrels.

Bottled at 135 proof, Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak has a vibrant red color indicative of prolonged maturation. On the nose it has a sweet aroma of tart apple and dried berries. The pallet features a balance of complex flavors, with an immediate taste of raspberry jam followed by hints of a smokey undertone. The finish is exceptionally smooth with persistent sweetness lingering throughout.

“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,” said Bock. “A whiskey that has sat for 12+ years has the potential 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.”

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection of whiskeys began in 2010 to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Bowman, the great-grandfather of the Distillery’s founder, Abram Smith Bowman. Each edition of the Abraham Bowman Collection reflects innovation and creativity coming from our previous Master Distillers Joe Dangler, the late Truman Cox, Brian Prewitt and current Head Distiller David Bock. Previous releases in the Abraham Bowman Collection have explored different mash bills, aging techniques, proofs, finishes and more.

Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak is exclusively available for purchase through an online lottery. The lottery runs November 25 - December 2. Consumers nationwide are invited to enter the lottery, however winners MUST pick-up their bottle in-person at the A. Smith Bowman Gift Shop when purchasing. Limit one entry per person. To enter, please submit a form here. Winners will be randomly selected on December 4 and notified via email immediately following the selection. Those selected must pick up their bottles before 5:00pm on December 22. Each bottle will be sold at the suggested retail price of $79.99, excluding state taxes and fees. 

For more information about the Abraham Bowman Collection, visit asmithbowman.com/spirits.

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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.

For more information on A. Smith Bowman Distillery, visit asmithbowman.com.