A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon (Batch 1)

A Smith Bowman Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey represents the initial offering of their signature small batch spirit, presented uncut and non-chill filtered. Each batch is curated from barrels personally chosen by Master Distiller Brian Prewitt from the lower levels of Warehouses A1 and A. The whiskey ages for at least 10 years in charred oak barrels and is bottled at cask strength, 141.1 proof/70.5 ABV. This whiskey could potentially become a new favorite for those who enjoy high-proof spirits. While the retail cost is somewhat elevated, it is well worth investigating. Appearance: Deep Auburn Upon smelling, I was met with a strong alcohol vapor, but after allowing it a few moments to breathe, it opened up to rich and intricate aromas. Scents of toasted oak and cedar emerge on the nose, leading to notes of rich vanilla, maple syrup, browned butter, baking spices, caramel apple, and a subtle cherry hint. The taste is exceptionally smooth and not at all overwhelming. It doesn't present as a drink with 70% ABV, but rather closer to 55-60% ABV. Despite being quite viscous, it continues with flavors of vanilla, brown sugar, toasted pecans, baking spices, cloves, and toasted oak. The finish is lengthy and lingers pleasantly. The flavors of toasted oak, cloves, baking spices, and roasted pecans persist long after tasting. Adding water allowed me to discern more vanilla, caramel, and some candy apple. However, it diminished the baking spice notes and some of the alcohol's bite.

Aroma: Oak, butterscotch, dried dark fruit, citrus peels, cocoa, baking spice, herbal, metallic, and a bit solvent-like with the alcohol vapors. Water enhances the dark fruit and cocoa notes, slightly taming the alcohol, but doesn't significantly alter the profile. Palate: Oak, peanut butter, butterscotch, dried dark fruit, citrus peels, cocoa, baking spice, herbal, metallic, and a bit solvent-like with the alcohol notes. The palate is very similar to the aroma. Water adds more dark sweetness with hints of brown sugar and burnt caramel, and nicely reduces the alcohol intensity, all still beneath a heavy layer of oak. Finish: Long, with oak, nuts, and caramel slowly fading into an herbal, spicy note.

Aroma of caramel and vanilla. The front end had sweet maple, caramel, and vanilla with a back end of cinnamon, slight spice, and nice warming on the backend with hints of oak. Very smooth for a high proof bourbon.

A robust, savory spirit. Certainly a top-tier choice. It lacks the complexity and nuance of other high-end bourbons.

Truly remarkable. Among the top 5 I've experienced. Fortunate to receive a sample included with another purchase.

Bold, significant flavors. Drinks like it's 100 proof.