Bowman Brothers vs John J. Bowman Single Barrel: Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:57 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Bowman Brothers Small Batch vs John J. Bowman Single Barrel in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Bowman Brothers Small Batch vs John J. Bowman Single Barrel: Comparison

Bowman Brothers Small Batch: Vanilla, leather, and oak on the nose, with a palate of peppery rye and caramel. The finish is short, featuring apple. It’s a spicy option that surprises with its heat, best enjoyed with water.

John J. Bowman Single Barrel: Dominated by oak, with vanilla and cinnamon on the nose and a palate of oak spice and apple. The finish is medium, retaining the oak theme. It’s bold and oak-forward, suitable for those who prefer a robust profile, enhanced with a splash of water.

Verdict: “Both whiskies offer distinctive experiences within the spicy and oak-forward spectrum. Bowman Brothers Small Batch appeals to those seeking spice, while John J. Bowman Single Barrel caters to oak lovers. Each has its charm, serving different preferences without outshining the other.”, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Bowman Brothers Small Batch: Spicy & Subtle, But Short Finish

Nose: Vanilla, leather, oak
Palate: Peppery rye, caramel, vanilla frosting, baking spice
Finish: Apple, oak
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Buffalo Trace

Warm & inviting nose: Bowman Brothers opens with a pleasant harmony of vanilla, oak, and aged leather, creating a welcoming aroma.

Spicy warmth on the palate: Expect an initial burst of spice and moderate warmth that transitions into caramel, vanilla frosting, and subtle baking spices. It’s a bit spicier than you might anticipate for 90 proof.

Short finish with an apple kick: The finale is brief, offering notes of apple, oak, and a slight bite. Adding water softens the spice, but the finish doesn’t become significantly more impressive.

Spicy Buffalo Trace cousin:

More heat than expected: Be prepared for a surprisingly spicy experience compared to its proof.
Like Buffalo Trace, with a twist: Similar in some ways, but the triple distillation and Virginia aging give it a distinctive spicy edge.
Short finish: If you value long, lingering finishes, this might fall short.

Remember:

For spice lovers: If you enjoy bold, spicy bourbons, this delivers.
Hotter than expected: Be mindful of the initial warmth, especially if you prefer smooth pours.
Explore for longer finishes: If a drawn-out finale is essential, look elsewhere.

Cheers to a unique bourbon with a spicy kick!

John J. Bowman Single Barrel: A Reliable Oak-Forward Friend

Nose: Oak, vanilla, cinnamon
Palate: Oak spice, apple, brown sugar, baking spice
Finish: Apple, oak
Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Elmer T. Lee

Bold oak reigns supreme: John J. Bowman Single Barrel opens with a dominant oak aroma, joined by subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Expect a woody first impression.

Creamy & spicy on the palate: This bourbon boasts a smooth and creamy texture, but the flavor punches with prominent oak spice upfront. Brown sugar and apple join the party, followed by baking spices and vanilla, creating a more balanced profile as you sip.

Dry finish with a bite: The finale is medium-length and dry, lingering with oak and a touch of leather. The satisfying bite adds to the experience.

Water helps, but oak remains king: Adding a splash of water reveals caramel notes and softens the oak spice, but oak remains the main character.

Reliable, not extraordinary:

Enjoyable for oak lovers: If you cherish oaky bourbons, this is a solid choice.
Balanced sweetness: Don’t worry, the sweetness effectively counteracts the spice.
E.H. Taylor alternative: Similar vibes, but with an additional spicy kick.

Remember:

Sourced from Buffalo Trace: Aged there, then gets its final touch in Virginia.
Not groundbreaking: A good, reliable bourbon, but not earth-shattering.
Explore for more complex profiles: If you seek deeper layers, look beyond oak-forward expressions.

Cheers to a dependable bourbon that won’t disappoint!