Virginia’s oldest operational distillery has claimed the crown at the world’s most prestigious whiskey competition. A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Batch #4 earned both Best Bourbon and Best American Whiskey honors at the 2025 International Whisky Competition, scoring an impressive 97.01 points out of 100. This exceptional achievement places the Fredericksburg distillery’s limited release just 0.03 points behind the overall Whisky of the Year winner, cementing Virginia’s position on the global spirits map.
Virginia’s Bourbon Legacy
A. Smith Bowman Distillery‘s triumph represents more than competition glory—it showcases Virginia’s emerging role in American whiskey heritage. Established in 1935, the Fredericksburg operation has quietly perfected its craft while larger Kentucky distilleries dominated headlines. Now owned by Sazerac, which also operates Buffalo Trace and Barton 1792, the distillery benefits from decades of expertise while maintaining its distinctive regional character.
The winning batch showcases remarkable complexity for its 69.85% ABV strength:
- Aroma profile: Leather, plums, and crisp apple notes.
- Palate experience: Raspberry chocolate, stone fruit, and warming cinnamon.
- Finish: Clean apple notes that balance the bourbon’s powerful heat.
- Aging: Minimum 10 years in barrel for exceptional depth.
- Limited production: Only available through a special lottery system.
A Collector’s Dream
Judges praised the bourbon’s rare ability to deliver “powerful heat” alongside a “smooth blend of dried cherry, vanilla, leather, and stone fruit.” This balance typically proves elusive at cask strength, making Batch #4’s achievement even more remarkable. The $100 MSRP reflects exceptional value for a competition-winning bourbon, though finding a bottle often demands the same persistence and precision as hunting down a high-end collectible drink.
The distillery released Batch #4 through an online lottery system from February to March 2025, with winners required to collect bottles in person at the Fredericksburg location. This approach transforms bottle acquisition into a pilgrimage experience, drawing bourbon enthusiasts to Virginia’s historic region.
For bourbon lovers and tourists, this recognition transforms A. Smith Bowman into a must-visit destination. The distillery’s location in historic Fredericksburg offers the perfect blend of American whiskey heritage and Virginia’s rich cultural landscape, making it an ideal stop for culinary adventurers seeking authentic American spirits experiences.
