Buffalo Trace Sister Distillery Unveils Experimental Bourbon

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 at 13:05A Smith Bowman Distillery

Abraham Smith Bowman Bourbon Hungarian Oak Series whiskey

In the United States, the A. Smith Bowman Distillery has concluded the Oak Series with a final whiskey. It's a 12-year-old 'bourbon' that matured in Hungarian oak barrels.

FAQ

What is the distillery's Oak Series?
A whiskey series experimenting with different types of oak.

What makes Hungarian oak barrels so special?
The oak wood used for this whiskey gives the drink a somewhat softer character.

Where is the whiskey sold?
It is sold through a lottery in the United States.

Conclusion of an innovative whiskey trilogy

Abraham Smith Bowman Distillery, Buffalo Trace's sister distillery in Virginia, has announced the third and final release in their innovative Oak Series: the Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak.

The whiskey is 12 years old and has spent its entire maturation in charred Hungarian oak barrels. This has given the whiskey an exceptionally soft character. David Bock, master distiller at the distillery, states that it's a special whiskey:

'Hungarian Oak has delivered another delicious and unexpected whiskey. In many ways, all positive, Hungarian Oak is the opposite of what we expect from our extended aged whiskey. I know Truman would be proud to see this innovation deliver such a wonderful product.'

- David Bock

What are the tasting notes of the new A. Smith Bowman whiskey?

The tasting notes of the whiskey are as follows:

Nose: Notes of candied apricot and warm honey apples.

Palate: Smoky dark chocolate.

Finish: Dried fruit and light charring without spiciness

The whiskey is bottled at 115 proof (57.5 percent alcohol by volume).

Where can the Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak whiskey be purchased?

Enthusiasts interested in the whiskey can register for a lottery that runs until August 18. The price per bottle is 80 dollars exclusive of taxes (converted to just under 70 euros).

Unfortunately, the condition is that a purchaser must live in the United States and the bottle must be picked up at the distillery in Fredericksburg.