Bowsaw Bourbon Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey caught my eye before I even cracked the seal — the packaging leans hard into rugged Americana, and at £34.95, it sits in that sweet spot where you're not gambling much but you're hoping for more than a mixer. Good news: there's genuine character here worth talking about.
As a Kentucky straight bourbon, Bowsaw has to play by the rules — at least 51% corn in the mashbill, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at no less than 40% ABV, which is exactly where this one lands. That minimum proof point is worth addressing honestly: 40% ABV means this isn't going to knock you sideways with intensity, but it also means approachability is baked into the DNA. For someone stepping into bourbon for the first time, or for someone who wants a reliable weeknight pour without overthinking it, that's not a weakness — it's the point.
The NAS (no age statement) designation tells us the distillery isn't hanging its hat on years in the barrel, which is increasingly common in the bourbon world and not necessarily a red flag. What matters is whether the whiskey drinks well, and Bowsaw does. It carries the hallmarks you'd expect from a Kentucky bourbon — that corn-driven sweetness balanced against whatever the charred oak has contributed during maturation. The barrel entry proof and warehouse conditions shape so much of what ends up in your glass, and while the distillery behind Bowsaw hasn't been publicly confirmed, the liquid speaks for itself as a competent, well-assembled bourbon.
Tasting Notes
I'll be straight with you — rather than fabricate specifics, I'd rather you discover the nose, palate, and finish yourself. What I can tell you is that at 40% ABV, expect an approachable, smooth drinking experience that leans into classic bourbon territory. The style here is accessible and uncomplicated, which is exactly what a bourbon at this price should be.
The Verdict
At £34.95, Bowsaw Bourbon punches at the right weight for its price class. It's not trying to be a barrel-proof bruiser or a single-barrel showpiece — it's a solid, drinkable Kentucky bourbon that does exactly what it promises. I'd score this a 7.5 out of 10. It earns that mark by being honest about what it is: a well-made, approachable bourbon with enough character to hold your attention neat but versatile enough to shine in cocktails. There are flashier bottles on the shelf, but Bowsaw delivers consistent quality without asking you to remortgage. That counts for a lot in a crowded market.
Best Served
This is a natural Old Fashioned bourbon. The 40% ABV means it won't overpower the cocktail, and the classic bourbon profile plays beautifully with a sugar cube, a couple dashes of Angostura bitters, and an orange peel. Build it in the glass, stir over a large ice cube, and you've got a genuinely satisfying drink for under a fiver per serve. If you prefer it neat, a single ice cube or a small splash of water opens it up nicely without drowning it — at this proof, you don't need much.
