Right here at Drinkhacker we’ve beforehand introduced you a overview of A. Smith Bowman’s inaugural Cask Power bourbon providing, and at this time we’re happy to carry you a overview of the Virginia distillery’s second act. The comparatively new launch has shortly joined the ranks of a number of the most sought-after annual bourbon expressions. The rationale for that’s partially attributable to our enthusiastic protection, however largely because of the ecstatic reception of bourbon aficionados all over the place. A. Smith Bowman’s Cask Power bourbon batch #1 was acclaimed by us as “probably the greatest new bourbon releases in years.” For the 2022 follow-up bottles had been doled out to a choose few customers through a lottery system on the model’s web site. Moreover, a restricted variety of bottles went to pick markets in mid-December.
Within the press launch for this expression, the model remarks that, “the second cask power launch from Virginia’s oldest distillery pushes the boundaries of excessive proof whiskey, coming in at 114.5 proof.” A. Smith Bowman’s Grasp Distiller Brian Prewitt stated, “Batch #2 is a excessive proof whiskey lover’s dream” and A. Smith Bowman Distiller David Bock added, “Whereas final 12 months’s inaugural Batch #1 boasted a extra delicate profile that drank like a a lot decrease proof bourbon (although it wasn’t!), this 12 months’s providing actually roars. Batch #1’s proof snuck up on you; Batch #2 slaps you within the char.” Bock concludes by noting, “Batch #2 additionally comprises the final of the barrels Joe Dangler, former Grasp Distiller at A. Smith Bowman for over 30 years laid down. We’re humbled to honor his lasting affect with this launch.”
Now let’s discover out if A. Smith Bowman Cask Power the sequel is pretty much as good as the unique. Because it opens with the ebullient aroma of blackberries, allspice, recent butterscotch Krimpets, darkish leather-based, and wooden polish, it turns into instantly obvious that this will probably be a luxurious affair. Becoming a member of the preliminary symphony are notes of overripe banana, bay leaves, and cilantro. Given time to relaxation there are some additional umami-like aromas hiding behind the earthiness and the butterscotch sweetness of these Krimpets is joined by a yellow-cake-with-vanilla-frosting sweetness, each distinct.
Within the mouth it’s the flavour of blackberries that leads the best way, with a wholesome dose of black pepper accompanying them. The feel is surprisingly quotidian given the excessive proof and density of aromas on the nostril however the flavors are bursting with richness. I’m at first tempted to say this drinks under its proof however abruptly the warmth comes ratcheting again up and impressively maintains steadiness between the candy pastry notes and the baking spice affect for an extremely prolonged end. Foregoing the everyday dryness one finds in such excessive proof choices, the end as a substitute brings a handful of the aforementioned tasting notes alongside for the trip: specifically vanilla frosting, baking spice, recent berries, and leather-based.
Whereas the excessive warmth does at instances serve to distract from reasonably than improve the expertise, in matches and begins one is ready to absolutely respect that there are a ton of well-developed flavors on show together with as important and spectacular a end as I can consider in latest reminiscence. Whereas the typical mouthfeel and the uneven warmth signify two forgivable drawbacks, there are innumerable noteworthy facets of this whiskey which make it an absolute homerun. In case you had been lucky sufficient to win A. Smith Bowman Cask Power bourbon batch #2 for a C-note through the model’s lottery, think about it a grand slam.
144.5 proof.
A / $100 / asmithbowman.com
A. Smith Bowman Cask Power Bourbon Batch #2
$100
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