Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak
Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak is the third and final release in A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s innovative Oak Series. This limited-edition bourbon was aged for 12 years in charred Hungarian oak barrels, showcasing how the type of wood can shape flavor in unexpected ways. It’s a unique chapter in the Abraham Bowman Collection, blending tradition with experimentation.
Abraham Bowman Oak Series
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak |
| Brand | Abraham Bowman |
| Company | A. Smith Bowman Distillery (Sazerac Company) |
| Category | Bourbon Whiskey (Limited Edition) |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Virginia |
| Distillery | A. Smith Bowman Distillery |
| Age | 12 years |
| Style | Oak Series Experimental Bourbon |
| Alcohol | 115 proof (57.5 % ABV) |
| Barrel Type | Charred Hungarian Oak |
| Launch Date | August 2025 (lottery release) |
| Availability | Limited (online lottery + in-person pickup) |
Prices: Prices can vary significantly due to taxes, import duties, retailer markups, and currency fluctuations
| Country/Region | Price (70/75 cl) |
|---|---|
| United States (Retail SRP) | $79.99 USD (plus taxes & fees) — lottery price for winners only |
| United States (Secondary Market) | $200 – $350+ USD (varies by seller & scarcity) |
| Canada (Import/Resale) | CAD 275 – CAD 350+ (estimate, varies by seller) |
| UK / EU (Import/Resale) | €260 – €300+ (estimate from current listings) |
| Australia (Import/Resale) | AUD 400 – AUD 500+ (estimated due to rare imports) |
Testing Notes
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Brown velvet hue with depth |
| Aroma | Candied apricot, warm honey apples, smoky dark chocolate notes |
| Flavours | Rich dried fruit, honeyed apple, dark chocolate, subtle oak influence |
| Texture | Full and balanced with a smooth mouthfeel |
| Finish | Lingering dried fruit, char, gloss-like sweetness |
Experts’ View:
Industry tastings and reviews highlight Hungarian Oak’s fruit-forward and rich profile that defies expectations for long-aged bourbons. Instead of peppery or heavy tannins, the Hungarian oak barrels lend honeyed fruit, warm sweetness, and a glossy smoothness rarely found in typical aged releases. Head Distiller David Bock notes the unconventional oak influence, which replaces spice with a well-rounded flavor spectrum.
Whisky Advocate awarded this release high praise, scoring it 94 and applauding its sweet plum, caramel corn, and long finish with tawny port–like notes.
FAQs
1. What makes Hungarian Oak different from other bourbons?
This whiskey uses charred Hungarian oak barrels instead of standard American oak, giving it sweeter, fruit-rich flavor and a less spicy, softer wood influence.
2. How can I buy it?
It’s released via a lottery system in the U.S. (usually held mid-August), and winners must pick up bottles in person at the distillery gift shop.
3. Should it be enjoyed neat or with a drop of water?
Most enthusiasts suggest trying it neat first to appreciate its delicate nuances, then with a few drops of water to open up deeper layers in aroma and flavor.
