A. Smith Bowman is releasing its second experimental oak whiskey

A. Smith Bowman is returning to a traditional barrel for this release

By Christopher Osburn Published November 13, 2024

A. Smith Bowman

The popular A. Smith Bowman Distillery recently announced that it was releasing the second experimental whiskey in its Abraham Bowman Oak Series. The first release, matured with French oak, was launched in March. The second release is a return to a classic. It’s the first use of traditional American white oak in the Abraham Bowman Oak Series.

Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak

A. Smith Bowman

The second release in this innovative collection, Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak, matures for twelve years in charred American white oak barrels. The result is a complex, mellow, memorable, 135-proof bourbon. According to the brand, it starts with a nose of tart apple and dried berries. The palate contains notes of raspberry jam, smoke, and other rich, nuanced flavors. This sublime, sipping whiskey is best enjoyed neat on an unseasonably cool evening.

Recommended Videos

“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” A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s Head Distiller David Bock, said in a press release. “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.”

Where can I buy it?

Scotch — Andrew Seaman / Unsplash

Sadly, you can’t just stroll into your neighborhood liquor store to grab a bottle of this limited-edition expression. If you want a bottle, you must join the brand’s online lottery from November 35 to December 2. Visit the distillery’s website for more details. You can find a link here—the suggested retail price of $79.99.

Christopher Osburn

Writer

Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He's been writing professional

Topics

Liquor, Beer, Wine & Drinks

Food & Drink

5 things you should never do with your top-shelf whiskey

Things not to do if you splurge on whiskey that goes on the top shelf

Whiskey in a glass

So, you splurged and bought that expensive bottle of whiskey you’ve eyed every time you stopped by your local liquor store to grab a new bottle of Elijah Craig Small Batch or Knob Creek 9 Year. If I’ve learned anything in the almost 20 years I’ve been writing professionally about alcohol, it’s that good things (whiskey) come to those who wait.

You waited and finally forked over the few hundred dollars (or more) that were required to get your hands on that highly sought-after, hard-to-find small batch bourbon — after all, the time was right to treat yourself. Maybe it’s your birthday, or perhaps you’re simply hosting a party and want to look like a baller. For whatever reason, you purchased an expensive bottle of whiskey. What now? Well, I'll tell you what you never do with that expensive whiskey.
What not to do with expensive whiskey

Food & Drink

Rebel Bourbon is releasing a whiskey finished in Cabernet Franc barrels

Rebel Bourbon is launching another racing-themed whiskey

Rebel Bourbon

Bardstown, Kentucky's Rebel Bourbon is no stranger to car racing fans. The Official Bourbon of Richard Childress Racing has already launched a bourbon with two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch. Now, it's set to add to the racing-centric portfolio with a bourbon finished in wine barrels from Childress Vineyards.
Rebel 100 Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc Barrel Finish

This limited-release expression begins as a wheated bourbon that's matured for four years before being finished in Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc barrels. The result is a 100-proof whiskey with flavors like "sweet plums, honey, and bright berries."

Food & Drink

Mississippi’s Cathead Distillery is launching a new 100% wheat whiskey

Cathead's new whiskey features a 100% wheat mash bill

Cathead Distillery

If you don't know about Cathead Distillery, it's the first legal distillery in Mississippi since statewide prohibition in 1907. Founded in 2010 in downtown Jackson, it's well-known for its award-winning, small-batch spirits, including Bristow Gin, Cathead Vodka, and the popular Old Soul Whiskey. Recently, the brand announced the launch of an exciting new whiskey expression: a straight wheat whiskey.
Old Soul Estate Collection Straight Wheat Whiskey

It's called Old Soul Estate Collection Straight Wheat Whiskey, and it's made with a mash bill of 100% wheat. This grain-to-glass whiskey features wheat grown in Mississippi. On top of that, the distillation, aging, and even bottling was all done in the southern state. This limited-release small batch whiskey isn't just an exceptional expression. It's the first of this type of whiskey to be distributed to other states.