Smith Bowman Distillery is a quaint little operationlocated in Fredericksburg, VA. They produce a variety of spirits, and release multiple rare whiskies each year; past rare releases have been a barrel proof, a coffee flavored, and a high rye whiskey. They recently released their 14th rarerelease, a wheat bourbon, in March 2016.
Details: -Bottle #1377
-Wheated mashbill
-94 proof
-11 years old
-Price: $70
Nose: A culmination of flavors reminiscent of a vanilla ice cream float. This is followed by ahint of corn andabrush of baking spices.
Taste:Creamy with caramel chews, vanilla, and cinnamon.Fresh baked wheat bread, a slight spice, and a tinge of saltiness.
Finish: Extremely quick with a dry saltiness and toasted oak.
Conclusion: This is a nice bourbon but it didn't meet my expectations. At $70, you're paying for the rarity and not the quality of juice inside the bottle. The wheat is expressed more as a bread-heavy note rather than a sweet spice. It's unique but not what I was expecting from a wheat bourbon. It's worth a try, but not a buy...cheers.
A. Smith Bowman Distillery is an extremely small operation located in Fredericksburg, VA. They produce a variety of spirits, most notably their single barrel bourbon. While speaking with a tour guide during my first visit, I connected the dots on why I like this stuff so much; A. Smith Bowman receives double distilled bourbon mash from Buffalo Trace. They then distill the mash again and age it in Fredericksburg. A. Smith Bowman also stores the whiskey in a unique way; the barrels are stacked upright 2x2 on pallets. As they are such a small operation, this eliminates the need to turn/rotate the barrel and also allows for easy maneuvering of the barrels using a forklift. Details:
-Single Barrel, No Age Statement -100 proof -Price: $49 Nose: Loud with a savory bouquet of flavors. Toffee, mixed nuts, cinnamon sticks, and leather. Taste: Initial sweetness on the palate followed by a delicious and chewy spice. Candied pecans, black pepper, cinnamon/nutmeg, creamed corn, and charred oak.
Finish: Smooth, long, and dry, with lingering toffee dipped oak. Conclusion: I was pleasantly surprised with this bourbon. The proof allows for a bold yet elegant bouquet on the nose and the taste follows suit. This is well balanced bourbon with a smooth finish. Slightly overpriced for an everyday sipper, but certainly something I will enjoy on occasion. My Rating: B+ (Very Good)
Smith Bowman Distillery is a quaint little operation located in Fredericksburg, VA. They produce a variety of spirits, and release multiple rare whiskies each year; past rare releases have been a barrel proof, a coffee flavored, and a high rye whiskey. They recently released their 14th rare release, a wheat bourbon, in March 2016.
