ohn J. Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a fragrant nose of marmalade and soft biscuits with notes of toffee, leather, figs and almonds. The center-palette is dominated by signature notes of apples and pears which lead to a long, dry finish. John J. Bowman Bourbon earned the Double Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Silver Medal at the 2011 Fifty Best Tasting Competition. In addition, it earned a score of 96 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2014 – two points more that Pappy Van Winkle’s 15 year old bourbon. NOSE Baking chocolate, baked bread, oak, vanilla, and green apple, and a dash of toffee lead the way. A light tingling of ethanol is present but not so much to be distracting. The aromas aren’t overly strong, but more subtle and pleasant to the senses. palate Taking a large sip reveals classic bourbon undertones with a touch of sweetness. It’s a creamy bodied bourbon that offers rich flavors. Rich malted chocolate, oak, vanilla, and hints of corn syrup immediately jump out. This is a bourbon that plays it safe in the sense that you won’t be overwhelmed with a massive set of flavors to dissect. That said, while it doesn’t have that wow factor of a standout bourbon, it sure doesn’t disappoint in what it delivers either. finish Balanced and long. Warming heat slowly builds as it makes its way down your throat. A hint of spice in the form of green pepper, along with chocolate, leather, oak, and hints of vanilla start the finish. These flavors morph to light traces of chocolatey caramel that coat the mouth, and linger for a long time between sips. Balanced, flavorful, and unpretentious, the finish nicely encapsulates what this bourbon is all about.