John J. Bowman Pioneer Spirit Single Barrel is the premium single barrel bourbon of the A. Smith Bowman lineup, an award winning, hand selected expression from the historic Virginia distillery that operates as a sister to Buffalo Trace under the Sazerac umbrella. It is named for Colonel John J. Bowman, the eldest of the four Bowman brothers, an early American pioneer who first explored Kentucky in 1775, helped establish some of its earliest settlements, and was later appointed military governor of Kentucky County. The bourbon honors that pioneering spirit, and it has earned serious acclaim, taking the title of World's Best Bourbon in 2017. Its production gives it a distinctive character: the distillate is triple distilled, finishing with a final pass through the distillery's beloved copper still named Mary, then aged for around ten years in new charred American oak in Virginia's moderate, ever changing climate before the oldest and best barrels are hand selected and bottled one barrel at a time. Each bottle is brought to a consistent 100 proof and filled and labeled by hand, and because it is a single barrel product, every bottle offers its own subtle variations. Expect a fragrant nose of marmalade, soft biscuit, caramel, baked apple, and honey, a full bodied palate of toffee, dark cherry, roasted nuts, cinnamon, brown sugar, and leather, and a long, warming finish with toasted oak, spice, and rich sweetness. A polished, well aged, genuinely distinguished bourbon and a frequent hidden gem recommendation, it is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up its complex fruit and spice. A rewarding pour for any serious bourbon lover.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Fredericksburg, Virginia |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
| Category |
Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
John J. Bowman Pioneer Spirit, Single Barrel |
| Distillation |
Triple Distilled, Copper Still |
| Age |
No Age Statement (approximately 10 years) |
| Maturation |
New Charred (#3) American Oak, Single Barrel |
| ABV |
50% |
| Proof |
100 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber.
Nose: Marmalade, soft biscuit, caramel, baked apple, and honey.
Palate: Full bodied, with toffee, dark cherry, roasted nuts, cinnamon, brown sugar, and leather.
Finish: Long and warming, with toasted oak, spice, and rich sweetness.
FAQ
Who was John J. Bowman? He was the eldest of the four Bowman brothers, an early American pioneer who explored Kentucky in 1775 and later served as military governor of Kentucky County. The bourbon is named in his honor.
What makes it special? It is a hand selected single barrel from some of the oldest barrels in the warehouse, triple distilled and aged about ten years in Virginia, and was named World's Best Bourbon in 2017.
What proof is it? It is bottled at a consistent 100 proof, or 50 percent ABV. As a single barrel, each bottle still varies subtly in character.
How is it different from Bowman Brothers? Bowman Brothers is the small batch entry expression, while John J. Bowman is the premium single barrel, older and drawn from one hand selected barrel at a time.
How should I drink it? It is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up its fruit and spice. A Glencairn glass helps concentrate the aromas.
Where can I buy John J. Bowman online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
