History

A. Smith Bowman Distillery is Virginia's oldest distillery and has a long history as a pioneer in American whiskey production. Originally the distillery was founded in 1927 when A. Smith Bowman bought Sunset Hills Farm in Fairfax County to use grain surpluses and run a farm. In 1934 the Bowman family built a distillery on the site and produced the first batch of Virginia Gentleman; until the 1950s it was the only legal whiskey producer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Today it has moved to Fredericksburg, but clings to its timeless traditions. According to the website, A. Smith Bowman Distillery won World’s Best Bourbon at the World Whiskies Awards in 2016 and 2017. Isaac Bowman Port-Finished Bourbon was inspired by the experiment that won the prize, and the distillery continues to foster a culture of innovation and product quality under the leadership of distiller David Bock. The site’s identity is reinforced by references to the distillery’s two named distillation stills—Mary and George—that honor the parents and the early craft.

Production / Manufacturing

The distillery describes its approach as the time-honored process and emphasizes careful attention to the small details throughout the process—from fermenting the mash to filling the distillation bottles. Mary and George are name codes for the distillation equipment and symbolize the Bowman family. As Virginia’s oldest distillery, they balance long traditions with experimentation and innovation in their products. Bourbon is aged in American white oak barrels, and Isaac Bowman Bourbon is finished in port wine casks, which impart deep wood notes, caramel and spices combined with fruity notes and a smooth 92 proof finish. In addition to this port finish, Bowman’s experimental series explores different mash bills and finishes under the leadership of David Bock.

Products / Whisky Series

A. Smith Bowman produces several bourbon varieties and port-finished bottlings: - Isaac Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Port Barrel Finished; 92 proof; tastes of caramel, spices and jammy fruit notes. - Abraham Bowman Port Finished Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey – port-finished bourbon in the Isaac Bowman lineage. - John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey – single-barrel bourbon. - Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey – small-batch bourbon.

In addition, other non-whisky products are produced, such as Sunset Hills Gin, Deep Run Vodka, George Bowman Colonial Era Dark Caribbean Rum, and various liqueurs and spirits, but these are not whiskey variants.

Visit / Experiences

A. Smith Bowman Distillery welcomes visitors to Fredericksburg, VA with free tours and tastings. Tours are offered hourly, and visitors can taste the distillery's award-winning spirits after the tour at a tasting. There is an on-site shop and curbside pickup as well as online shipping. Address: 1 Bowman Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. Daily hours are: Monday–Saturday 10:00–17:00 and Sunday 12:00–17:00. Online reservations are recommended and walk-ins are welcome for a free tasting before/after the tour.

Philosophy

The distillery describes itself as Virginia's oldest distillery and emphasizes a time-honored process and attention to small details throughout the production—from fermentation to distillation, with Mary and George as a tribute to the Bowman family. Their approach combines strong traditional values with an open stance toward experimentation and innovation through Bowman’s experimental series under the leadership of David Bock. This combination of historic prestige and modern innovation underscores a commitment to craftsmanship and recognition in the industry.