A Virginia Bourbon?

Our take on the refined cousin to Virginia Gentleman...

We love a good bourbon here at MRC and while it would be nice to say many of us are stocked up on Pappy and Jefferson's Presidential 18 year, the idea of dropping that much coin on a spirit is not possible - those funds are reserved for BOB Stollers or the latest luggage roof box for our family travels.   Nevertheless, we're big fans of Blanton's but sometimes the local ABC store is bone dry of such nectar.  That's when we came across this guy - John J. Bowman Single Barrel - a nice 10 year old Virginia bourbon.  100 proof no doubt, one would expect a kick upon first taste, but much to our surprise this dram is smooth right away with a hint of citrus and evergreen or pine.  We made a couple of old fashioned's and soon realized at 100 proof, this is a one or two pour max unless the kids are at Grandma and Grandpa's for the night.  

But is it really a Virginia bourbon?  Yes and no, as a Sazerac product we see it is twice distilled at Buffalo Trace in Kentucky and then shipped to A. Smith Bowman distillery outside Fredericksburg, VA where it is distilled a third time and aged until ready.  No matter the dual citizenship, the final step appears to take place here in the Old Dominion and we're a fan of this bourbon.  We like to enjoy this one on a crisp late winter/early spring evening next to the fire pit.