Virginia’s oldest distillery has unveiled its latest premium bourbon offering. A. Smith Bowman Distillery announced the fourth release of its coveted Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a carefully curated spirit aged for a minimum of ten years and bottled at a robust 139.7 proof.

The latest iteration continues the distillery’s commitment to producing unaltered, premium bourbon, with Master Distiller David Bock personally selecting each barrel through a meticulous year-long tasting process.

A. Smith Bowman Distillery Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon

“What our distillation team is trying to showcase with the Cask Strength series is an unvarnished truth of quality bourbon in its natural form,” Bock explained, speaking about the newest release. “There are no finishes with Cask Strength, meaning we must be meticulous when selecting barrels and blending the liquid. Each Cask Strength release is a unique sipping experience with its own special flavor profile and this fourth release is an excellent addition to the series!”

This year’s release promises a complex flavor profile that belies its high alcohol content. The bourbon presents initial aromas of leather and fruit, notably plums and apple, before revealing a palate characterized by raspberry chocolate notes and rich stone fruit flavors, complemented by subtle cinnamon undertones.

“It’s rare to taste a high proof bourbon with such a colorful flavor profile,” said Bock. “Our Cask Strength series is meant to give whiskey enthusiasts a delicious, bold and authentic tasting experience. I believe those who try Cask Strength #4 will be very pleased with this latest release.”

Availability

Distribution will be strictly controlled through an online lottery system, reflecting the bourbon’s limited availability and anticipated demand. The lottery opens on 24 February and closes on 3 March, with winners required to collect their bottles in person from the distillery’s gift shop in Virginia.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to purchase the bourbon at £99.99 per 750ml bottle, though additional local taxes and fees will apply. The distillery has confirmed that while the lottery is open nationwide, winners must be able to visit the gift shop personally to complete their purchase. You can enter the lottery here. 

Beyond the distillery release, select quantities will be distributed through Sazerac’s network to specific retailers, bars and restaurants across the United States, though availability is expected to be highly limited.

The release continues A. Smith Bowman’s tradition of pushing boundaries in American whiskey production, maintaining Virginia’s position in the premium spirits market. The distillery’s approach to this release, combining traditional craftsmanship with strict quality control, underscores the growing sophistication of American bourbon production.

Read the full article at A. Smith Bowman Unveils Fourth Edition Cask Strength Bourbon