As a bourbon enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for unique and delicious bourbons to try. Recently, I had the opportunity to taste John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, and I must say, I was impressed. This Virginia-made bourbon is a true hidden gem that deserves more attention.
Table of Contents
John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon Overview
Product History
John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon is a tribute to the great, great uncle of Abram S. Bowman, the founder of A. Smith Bowman Distillery. John J. Bowman was a pioneer in the whiskey industry, and his legacy is celebrated with this high-quality bourbon.
This bourbon is made from a selection of the oldest barrels in the warehouse, which are hand-selected to produce a single-barrel bourbon with hints of toffee, leather, figs, and almonds. The bourbon has won several awards, including World’s Best Bourbon in 2017.
Price Range
John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon is priced at around $50–100 per bottle, which is on the higher end of the price range for bourbons. However, the quality of this bourbon is well worth the price, and it is a great addition to any bourbon collection.
photo credit: asmithbowman.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
When I first opened the bottle of John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, I was greeted with a subtle yet pleasant aroma. I could detect notes of baking chocolate, bread, oak, vanilla, apple, and a dash of toffee. There was a light tingling of ethanol, but it was not so distracting. Overall, the aroma was inviting and made me excited to try the bourbon.
Flavor
The caramel and sweet corn notes were immediately apparent, followed by a burst of baking spices and biscuits. I could taste a hint of oak, which added a nice depth to the bourbon. The flavors were well-balanced, and there was no overpowering taste that dominated the palate.
Finish
The finish of John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon was smooth and satisfying. The flavors lingered on the tongue for a while, and I could detect a slight hint of pepper. The finish was neither too dry nor too sweet, making it a perfect sipping bourbon.
Rating
Overall, I would rate John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon highly and give it a 9 out of 10. The aroma was inviting, and the flavors were complex and well-balanced. The finish was smooth and satisfying, making it a great sipping bourbon.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, I recommend using mixers that complement the flavors of the bourbon. Some of the best mixers include ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and tonic water. These mixers bring out the sweetness and spice of the bourbon, while also adding a refreshing twist.
photo credit: asmithbowman.com
Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking to create a delicious cocktail with John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, I recommend trying a classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned. These cocktails are simple to make and allow the flavors of the bourbon to shine through. For a unique twist, try adding a splash of orange bitters to your Old Fashioned.
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Food Pairings
Pairing John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon with food is all about finding balance. The rich, bold flavors of the bourbon pair well with hearty, savory dishes. Some great food pairings include grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and sharp cheeses. For dessert, try pairing the bourbon with dark chocolate or a rich, buttery dessert like pecan pie.
Conclusion
I found John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon to be a well-balanced and enjoyable bourbon. It has a nice fruity and floral aroma with a hint of oakiness that gets better with time. The taste is smooth and mellow, with a subtle sweetness and a touch of spice.
If you’re a fan of bourbon and looking for something that’s a bit more unique and special, I would definitely recommend giving John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon a try. It’s a friendly and approachable bourbon that’s sure to please.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed my review of John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, then you might also like to check out these related posts:
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