A. Smith Bowman Distillery Redefines Bourbon with Hungarian Oak in Final Oak Series Release. Check out our review of the French Oak series: here
FREDERICKSBURG, VA (August 4, 2025) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery proudly introduces Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak, the third and final installment in its experimental Abraham Bowman Oak Series. Launched in March 2024, this series explores the impact of global oak varietals and charring techniques on whiskey flavor. Following the success of French Oak and American Oak, Hungarian Oak pushes the boundaries of bourbon craftsmanship with a bold, flavor-rich profile.
A Pioneering Experiment in Whiskey Aging
The Abraham Bowman Oak Series showcases A. Smith Bowman’s commitment to innovation by aging whiskey in diverse oak varietals. Hungarian Oak, aged for 12 years in charred Hungarian oak barrels and bottled at 115 proof, delivers a unique sensory experience.
“The Abraham Bowman Oak Series was about challenging everything we thought we knew about aging whiskey,” said A. Smith Bowman Distillery Head Distiller David Bock. “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. 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.”
The bourbon boasts a brown velvet color, with aromas of candied apricot, followed by warm honey apples and smoky dark chocolate on the palate. The finish lingers with notes of dried fruit and char.
“What surprises me about Hungarian Oak is the lack of pepper or spice, which we have come to expect from our barrels that are aging ten or more years,” said Bock. “Hungarian Oak barrels seem to have replaced any spicy notes with a flavor profile that is rich and glossy. Hungarian Oak is one of the most well-rounded whiskeys I have tasted and I’m excited for our fans to try this release.”
Honoring a Legacy of Innovation
The Abraham Bowman Collection celebrates the pioneering spirit of Abraham Bowman, a Revolutionary War colonel whose legacy inspired Virginia’s oldest distillery. Since 2010, the collection has featured limited-edition whiskeys crafted by Master Distillers Brian Prewitt, the late Truman Cox, and current Head Distiller David Bock. Each release explores unique mash bills, aging techniques, and finishes, cementing A. Smith Bowman’s reputation for bold creativity.
Tasting Notes and Availability
Hungarian Oak offers a smooth, well-rounded profile, distinct from the spice-heavy notes typical of long-aged bourbons. Its rich, glossy character makes it a standout in the series. The limited release will be available through an online lottery from August 11 to August 18, 2025. Nationwide consumers can enter, but winners must purchase their 750ml bottle (suggested retail price: $79.99, excluding taxes and fees) in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop in Fredericksburg, VA, within three weeks of selection. Winners will be randomly chosen on August 20 and notified via email. Limit one entry per person. To enter, submit a form at asmithbowman.com/spirits.
About A. Smith Bowman Distillery
Founded in 1934 by Abram Smith Bowman, A. Smith Bowman Distillery is Virginia’s oldest distillery, now located in Fredericksburg. Originally built on Sunset Hills Farm, the distillery transformed excess grain into the iconic Virginia Gentleman Whiskey. Today, it produces award-winning, handcrafted spirits in small batches, including Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon, John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon, and the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection. In 2023, its Cask Strength bourbon earned gold medals at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and American Whiskey Masters.For more details, visit asmithbowman.com/spirits.
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