Daniel Davis
The History of A. Smith Bowman Bourbon
For nearly a century, the A. Smith Bowman Distillery has been crafting high-quality bourbons and spirits in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The distillery was founded in 1934 by Abram Smith Bowman II, a prominent Virginia businessman who wanted to continue his family’s tradition of distilling.
Bowman’s original distillery was located in Reston, Virginia, where he produced a range of spirits including gin, brandy, and rum. In the 1940s, Bowman moved the distillery to Fredericksburg, where it remains today.
In the early days, A. Smith Bowman Distillery was mostly known for its award-winning Virginia Gentleman bourbon, a unique blend of bourbons aged for up to 10 years. Today, the distillery continues to produce Virginia Gentleman, as well as a range of other bourbons and spirits.
Winning Double Gold at the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition
Recently, A. Smith Bowman Bourbon added another accolade to its long list of awards and recognition. The distillery’s flagship bourbon took home a Double Gold medal at the 2021 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition.
The North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition is one of the most respected spirits competitions in the world, featuring over 350 entries from across North America. The competition’s expert judges evaluate each spirit based on its aroma, taste, finish, and overall quality.
Winning a Double Gold medal is no easy feat – it’s the highest award possible given to a spirit at the competition. To earn a Double Gold medal, the entries must receive a unanimous vote from the judges, indicating that it’s truly exceptional.
The Tasting Notes of A. Smith Bowman Bourbon
So, what makes A. Smith Bowman Bourbon so special? The distillery describes it as a “smooth, complex bourbon that builds on the foundation of Virginia Gentleman.”
The nose of the bourbon is said to be “fruit-forward, with notes of cherry, apricot, and peach.” On the palate, the bourbon is said to have a “rich, creamy mouthfeel with hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and caramel.”
The finish of the bourbon is described as “long and warming, with a subtle spice that lingers on the tongue.” Overall, A. Smith Bowman Bourbon is a bourbon that “sips beautifully and is perfect for savoring on its own or in your favorite cocktail.”
The Future of A. Smith Bowman Bourbon
With its recent Double Gold win at the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition, A. Smith Bowman Bourbon has once again cemented its status as one of the best bourbons in the world. But the distillery isn’t resting on its laurels – it’s constantly experimenting and innovating to create new and exciting spirits.
In recent years, A. Smith Bowman Distillery has released a variety of limited-edition bourbons, including the Abraham Bowman line of small-batch, high-proof bourbons. The distillery has also experimented with unique finishes, aging some of its bourbons in barrels that once held beer, wine, or port.
Despite all this experimentation, A. Smith Bowman Bourbon remains committed to the same values that Abram Smith Bowman II founded the distillery on nearly a century ago – producing the highest quality spirits possible using only the finest ingredients and methods.
A Bourbon to Be Savored
Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a casual fan, A. Smith Bowman Bourbon is a must-try spirit. Its recent Double Gold win at the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition is just the latest confirmation that A. Smith Bowman Distillery is producing some of the best bourbon in the world. So, pour yourself a glass, sit back, and savor the smooth, complex flavors of A. Smith Bowman Bourbon.
