Name: Bowman Brothers – Single Barrel
Color: Dark Brown
Nose: Corn, wood, vanilla, caramel cream
Taste: Corn, rye, vanilla, orange zest
Bowman Brothers whiskey hails from Fredericksburg, Virginia. The distillery is named after an American Revolution family who carved a living out in the new frontier as farmers and distillers. Today it is owned by Sazerac, who owns Buffalo Trace (this matters later in the review).
Bowman Brothers – Single Barrel is bottled at 50% abv and has a hot nose and is a little hot to start on tongue but softens after a few sips. Due to the higher proof, I was having trouble identifying the mash, but I guessed it would be Buffalo Trace based on my previous experience with Bowman. From my research it is believed that the mash is Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1 which is a “low rye” at less than 10% rye. However, the exact bill is not released to the public. The whiskey is non-age stated (believed to be 9-10 years), triple distilled, and bottled at 50% abv (100 proof). Other Sazerac produced Mash Bill #1’s are: Eagle Rare, EH Taylor, Old Charter, George T. Stage, Buffalo Trace, and a few others.
This is my second sampling of Bowman, and it is starting to become clear to me they care about the whiskey they produce. This expression can work as a sipper or a mixer as it has a decent profile, smooth taste, and is well balanced. Bowman also produces vodka, gin, rum, and brandy. I would like to visit this distillery one day or try a flight of Bowman against some of the other Mash Bill #1’s that I have reviewed in the past.
Priced around $60+ and a good whiskey. I have not seen it on shelves in the NYC area.
If you like it, drink it! – Chris
If you like it, drink it!
