Abraham Bowman Pioneer Spirit Virginia Whiskey (distilled 1993, bottled 2011)

Distilled at Buffalo Trace in Kentucky but aged mostly in Virginia at the A. Smith Bowman distillery. This is a bold hearty bourbon: not elegant or refined rather a bit mean and moody at times. Sweeter gentler notes of vanilla caramel nougat mocha and candied fruit wrestle with more aggressive tobacco leather and damp forest floor notes. Warming cinnamon-tinged gripping finish. A rewarding whiskey for those with an adventurous soul.