A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon Batch #5 Bourbon Review

This bourbon review may come with a small amount of bias, as I originally hail from Virginia and had the pleasure of discovering A. Smith Bowman Distillery nearly seven years ago. While I never had the opportunity to taste Batch #2, I've followed these releases closely and have enjoyed what the distillery has put forward so far.

I'm certainly not alone in that sentiment. Over the years, the A. Smith Bowman releases have developed a loyal following among bourbon enthusiasts, often generating plenty of excitement whenever a new batch is announced. The question is whether this latest release can continue that streak.

The Bottle

Classification: Straight Bourbon

Company: A. Smith Bowman Distillery

Distillery: A. Smith Bowman Distillery

Release Date: 2026 Limited Release

Proof: 137.6

Age: 10 Years

Mash Bill: Undisclosed

MSRP: $100

First Impression

The nose is rich and expressive, opening with sweet cherry and vanilla before a layer of confectioners' sugar ties everything together. Despite the hazmat proof, the aromas are surprisingly approachable, delivering a robust profile without overwhelming the glass.

On the Palate

Crème brûlée leads the way with its caramelized sweetness, followed by golden raisin and a touch of black pepper. The mouthfeel is lighter than the proof suggests, allowing each flavor to stand on its own rather than blending into pure heat.

The Last Sip

The finish is long and satisfying, built around seasoned oak, brûléed sugar, and dried fruit. The oak lingers the longest, carrying the sweetness with it and reminding you that this is a well-aged bourbon before the warmth finally fades.

Final Thoughts

Given the quality of the releases over the last several years, it should come as no surprise that this year's offering will once again appeal to proof hounds and dedicated bourbon enthusiasts alike. A. Smith Bowman continues to showcase its craftsmanship, producing high-proof whiskey that feels intentional, balanced, and worthy of the attention these annual releases receive.

Regardless of how it compares to previous batches, this is a bottle I would absolutely recommend picking up at retail if given the opportunity. I was fortunate enough to win this year's lottery and purchase a bottle, and in the interest of full transparency, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a second if the opportunity presented itself.

That's not an endorsement of chasing every allocated bottle on the secondary market. In fact, most aren't worth it. But every so often a release comes along that creates genuine value for bourbon enthusiasts through quality rather than hype. For me, this year's A. Smith Bowman release falls firmly into that category.

Recomendation

🟢 Buy