A. Smith Bowman Distillery has announced Abraham Bowman Special Release #26, an American rye whiskey aged for 11 years and bottled at 110 proof. The limited edition expression, priced at $79.99, marks the Virginia distillery’s first rye whiskey release in 16 years and will be available through an online lottery beginning May 4.
Those who wish to participate can enter the lottery here.
Distilled in 2015, the whiskey was aged in the distillery’s Warehouse A, which offers the coolest temperatures on site and allows for a slower maturation process. Most rye whiskeys are typically aged for four to six years, making this an unusually extended aging period for the category.
The release draws direct inspiration from Abraham Bowman Limited Edition #1, a rye whiskey first released in 2010. That inaugural bottling was presented at 90 proof, making the new expression’s 110-proof bottling strength a significant departure.
“Every Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release is an opportunity to ask new questions and explore new processes for making whiskey,” said David Bock, master distiller at A. Smith Bowman Distillery. “With this release, we wanted to continue our pursuit of the perfect rye mashbill. By allowing this whiskey to age for over a decade and bottling it at a higher proof, we were able to deepen our understanding of how these elements shape the character of a rye whiskey.”
Bock described the result as “a whiskey that is both expressive and balanced, showcasing the complexity rye can offer.”
Official tasting notes from the brand describe rich notes of maple syrup layered with hints of copper and fresh spring aromatics on the nose. The palate unfolds with flavors of vanilla, apricot, and bright orange zest, balanced by subtle earthy undertones. The finish is spice-forward, highlighted by black pepper and a delicate hint of mint.
“We spent a lot of time tasting this at different proofs, and 110 is where it really came together,” said Bock. “With a higher proof you’re getting more intensity, but also more nuance. For a rye whiskey especially, this release is incredibly smooth, and the vanilla beautifully balances with the pepperiness.”
The online lottery runs from May 4 to May 11. Winners must purchase bottles in person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop in Fredericksburg, Virginia, between May 13 and May 31. Each 750ml bottle carries a suggested retail price of $79.99. Limited quantities will also be available through Sazerac’s US distributor network to select retailers, bars, and restaurants.
Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 joins a growing portfolio from Virginia’s oldest continually operating distillery, which earlier this year released its fifth edition of Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Read the full article at A. Smith Bowman Releases First Rye Whiskey In 16 Years
