A. Smith Bowman 10 Year Old Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Limited Edition Batch 4

The Abraham Smith Bowman 10-Year Cask Strength is a top-tier, strong yet smooth bourbon that delivers a sensory punch—rich caramel, dense fruit, lush oak, and balanced spice without harsh burn. It’s a standout in the annual barrel‑strength release landscape and ideal for those who want a deep, chewy, full‑bodied sip. If you prize flavor-packed, limited‑release bourbons that sip with grace, this one’s for you. 

Batch #4.

🏛️ Origins & Aging

• A high‑proof, limited‑release bourbon from A. Smith Bowman Distillery (Sazerac), aged a full decade in toasted & charred American oak barrels sourced primarily from Buffalo Trace’s mash bills.

• Batch 4 is bottled uncut and non–chill‑filtered, delivering natural barrel strength at 139.7 Proof.

👃 Aroma

• Rich and inviting: deep caramel, vanilla bean, crème brûlée, brown sugar, and toasted oak. Hints of leather, apple pie, cinnamon, and subtle fruit tones (citrus and cherry) meld beneath the proof .

👅 Palate & Texture

• Dense and oily, offering layered flavors: caramel, butterscotch, apricot, orange peel, cherry/cherry‑jam, vanilla, roasted oak, licorice, mocha, cinnamon, clove, brown spice, and sometimes tropical nuances like pineapple.

• Despite the high proof, it’s remarkably well‑controlled—smooth and chewy rather than fiery.

🍂 Finish

• Long and warming: deep oak tannins, leather, dried cherries, tobacco/leather tones, toasted sugar, black pepper, and lingering spice .

• Many describe it as a “proof bomb” that doesn’t overwhelm—leaving you with pleasant chewy warmth rather than burning heat .

🌟 Overall Impression

• This is bold, highly flavorful, and expertly balanced for a barrel‑strength bourbon. It combines dessert‑like sweetness (caramel/cherry/apricot) with robust oak, spice, and fruit, all held in check by a smooth, viscous texture.

• While some note it leans more toward brawn than nuance, its density, flavor layering, and surprising refinement at high proof are often praised. Collectors and “proof hounds” rate it among the best annual high‑proof bourbons.