A Smith Bowman Distillery has released the latest from the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection, Abraham Bowman Special Release #26.
Distilled in 2015, Abraham Bowman expression explores two key elements of whiskey making: extended aging and elevated alcohol proof. While many rye whiskeys are aged for approximately 4-6 years, these barrels were aged for 11 years in the Distillery’s Warehouse A, which offers the coolest warehouse temperatures and allows for a slower aging process. Bottled at 110 proof, it is also considerably higher than the original 90-proof Abraham Bowman Limited Edition #1 Rye Whiskey.
“Every Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release is an opportunity to ask new questions and explore new processes for making whiskey,” said A. Smith Bowman Distillery Master Distiller David Bock. “With this release, we wanted to continue our pursuit of the perfect rye mashbill. By allowing this whiskey to age for over a decade and bottling it at a higher proof, we were able to deepen our understanding of how these elements shape the character of a rye whiskey. The result is a whiskey that is both expressive and balanced, showcasing the complexity rye can offer.”
“We spent a lot of time tasting this at different proofs, and 110 is where it really came together,” Bock added. “With a higher proof you’re getting more intensity, but also more nuance. For a rye whiskey especially, this release is incredibly smooth, and the vanilla beautifully balances with the pepperiness.”
Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey will be available through an online lottery, now through May 11 at 12pm EST. The lottery is open nationwide, but winners must be able to purchase bottles in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop for $79.99. It will also be available in limited quantities at select retailers, bars and restaurants.
