Review: A. Smith Bowman Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak

Ah, Abraham Bowman Oak Series, we hardly knew ya. Launched at the end of 2024, this “series” from the Sazerac-owned Virginia-based distillery lasted only a little more than a year, but in that time, it delivered an impressive French Oak expression and a solid, if considerably more straightforward, American Oak release. For their third and final act, A. Smith Bowman is at least leaving us with something pretty unique.

Oak Series: Hungarian Oak is, as the name suggests, aged in rare Hungarian oak, a type of wood that almost never touches an American whiskey. While the label doesn’t say so, the press release calls this a bourbon, although the exact recipe is unknown. Like the two other Oak Series releases, this is well-aged whiskey. At 12 (actually closer to 13) years old, it’s older than any other offering in Bowman’s lineup. And it clocks in it at a much more approachable proof than the most recent American Oak release. That’s probably enough background for everyone. Let’s see how this Oak Series swan song tastes, shall we?

A. Smith Bowman Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak Review

The nose is silky and probably the richest of the Oak Series trio. Golden butterscotch notes mingle with chewy caramels and buttery pralines. Undertones of new leather and dried cherries add impressive complexity and a welcome contrast as the exotic oak notes build with time in the glass, delivering black tea, cocoa powder, and a little sandalwood.

The palate is just as multifaceted and layered with early, fruity notes of sultanas, citrus peel, and apple chips that give way to woodier cigar wrapper and coffee bean accented with a kiss of peppery Chinese five spice. A lacing of dark caramel and cinnamon sugar offer a measured sweetness that by the midpalate resembles warm cinnamon buns, heavy on the cinnamon. The finish simmers at length with black cherry, clove syrup, incense, and a hint of smoke.

From sip to swallow, this is a soothing and flavorful whiskey that does exactly what Bowman set out to do: showcase the impressive impacts of unique oak on American whiskey. I thought it couldn’t get better than the French Oak release earlier this year, but Bowman has proven me wrong. The lottery for this bottle has long since passed, and if you were lucky enough to win one (especially at the ridiculously reasonable MSRP), I implore you to drink it. Better yet, share it with friends.

115 proof.

A / $80

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