American

Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak Virginia Whiskey

$79.99

OVERALL
RATING

Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak Virginia Whiskey Review

Name: Abraham Bowman Hungarian Oak Bourbon Review
Item: Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak Virginia Whiskey
Rating: 9
Author: Charles Steele

A. Smith Bowman Distillery completes their ambitious 14-year Oak Series experiment with Hungarian Oak bourbon, a 12-year-aged whiskey that delivers an unexpected dessert-forward profile at 115 proof.

by Charles Steele
October 8, 2025

Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.

Tasting Notes:

About:

A. Smith Bowman Distillery has unveiled the third and final release in its Abraham Bowman Oak Series, introducing Hungarian Oak bourbon to complete an ambitious 14-year experiment in cask maturation. The limited-edition whiskey, aged for 12 years in charred Hungarian oak barrels, joins French Oak and American Oak releases from earlier this year.

The series, which began under former Master Distiller Truman Cox, examines how different oak varietals from around the world influence whiskey flavor profiles. Bottled at 115 proof, the Hungarian Oak edition presents what Head Distiller David Bock describes as an unexpected departure from traditional extended-aged whiskeys.

“The Abraham Bowman Oak Series was about challenging everything we thought we knew about aging whiskey,” Bock said. “This experiment started more than fourteen years ago with former Master Distiller Truman Cox. French Oak and American Oak dazzled us with impressive flavors and now, Hungarian Oak has delivered another delicious and unexpected whiskey.”

Speaking about late Master Distiller Truman Cox, who passed away in 2013, Bock said, “I know Truman would be proud to see this innovation deliver such a wonderful product.”

Appearance:

Cherry Mahogany

Nose:

Cherries jubilee, fruit cake, plums and dark sugars. There is a delicate older oak profile hidden within and layers of salted caramel with bananas foster. Dessert all day.

Palate:

On the tongue there is rose, leather, rich bread pudding, oak and folder charring. I found dark and rich tonalities with the profile. It was a well blended and seductive profile with a good hit of velvet chocolate cake, ginger snaps and coriander.

Finish:

Dry and rich mouthfeel, oak and dark chocolate for a long finish.

Comments:

What a dram! There were only a few sharp edges that caught my attention with the dram but honestly the profile and nose make up for all of it. It is my personal belief that bourbons are best between 12-15 years of aging. It provides enough time in barrel to mellow out the alcohol, integrate the sweet, and transform the oak sugars in the whiskey. I think this is a remarkable example of what curated bourbon is about. Very well done. Although price does not impact my opinion, for the price this is something you should look for! The lotter may have already closed, but there may be bottles floating around in the wild.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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