
A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY EXPANDS EXPERIMENTAL OAK SERIES WITH HUNGARIAN OAK, THIRD RELEASE EXPLORING OAK VARIETALS
FREDERICKSBURG, VA (August 4, 2025) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery today announces the release of Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak, the third and final experimental whiskey from its Abraham Bowman Oak Series. Designed to explore cask maturation in different oak varietals from around the world, as well as the effect charring has on the flavor of whiskey, the Abraham Bowman Oak Series first launched in March 2024 with the release of French Oak and then continued in November 2024 with the release of American Oak. For its third release, Hungarian Oak boldly pushes the boundaries of whiskey making by introducing a whiskey that redefines the possibilities of flavor through innovation and craft.
“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.”
Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak is made from a blend of liquids aged for 12 years in charred Hungarian Oak barrels. Bottled at 115 proof, this bourbon has a brown velvet color. On the nose, the aroma of candied apricot engulfs your glass, unfolding layers of warm honey apples and a pronounced smokey dark chocolate on the pallet. The finish lingers on the sides of your tongue 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.”
Inspired by his pioneering spirit, the Abraham Bowman Collection features limited-edition releases that honor Abraham’s legacy of innovation, mastery and adventure. More than 150 years before his great-grandson established Virginia’s oldest distillery, Abraham traversed the territories of the Thirteen Colonies as a Colonel of Virginia’s 8th Regiment. The 8th regiment played a vital role in the Continental Army’s fight for independence.
The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection of whiskeys began in 2010 with the release of Abraham Bowman Rye Whiskey. Each edition of the Collection reflects innovation and creativity coming from Master Distillers Brian Prewitt, the late Truman Cox and current Head Distiller David Bock. Previous releases in the Abraham Bowman Collection have explored different mash bills, aging techniques, proofs, finishes and more.
The opportunity to purchase a limited bottle of Abraham Bowman Oak Series: Hungarian Oak will occur through an online lottery taking place from August 11 – August 18. Consumers nationwide are invited to enter the lottery; however, winners MUST purchase in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop within three weeks of winning. Limit one entry per person. To enter, please submit a form here. Winners will be randomly selected on August 20 and notified via email immediately following the selection. Each 750ml bottle will be sold at the suggested retail price of $79.99, excluding state taxes and fees.
For more information about the Abraham Bowman Collection, visit asmithbowman.com/spirits.