A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Virginia’s Oldest Continually Operating Distillery, announced the newest release from the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection: Abraham Bowman Special Release #26, an American rye whiskey that draws inspiration from the Distillery’s inaugural 2010 Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release. 

This latest expression reflects years of constant experimentation to better understand how variables such as mashbill, proof, and aging shape the character of rye whiskey.

Distilled in 2015, Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 explores two key elements of whiskey making: extended aging and elevated alcohol proof. While many rye whiskeys are aged for approximately 4-6 years, these barrels were aged for 11 years in the Distillery’s Warehouse A, which offers the coolest warehouse temperatures and allows for a slower aging process. Bottled at 110 proof, considerably higher than the original 90-proof Abraham Bowman Limited Edition #1 Rye Whiskey, it continues the Distillery’s exploration of how higher proofs influence flavor intensity, structure, and overall balance.

“Every Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release is an opportunity to ask new questions and explore new processes for making whiskey,” A. Smith Bowman Distillery Master Distiller David Bock said in a news release. “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. The result is a whiskey that is both expressive and balanced, showcasing the complexity rye can offer.”

Known for its bold and distinctive character, rye grain often brings pronounced spice and intensity to a whiskey. While that profile has a well-established place in the category, A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s approach focuses on achieving a more balanced flavor profile. On the nose, this limited-edition rye whiskey opens with rich notes of maple syrup layered with hints of copper and fresh Spring aromatics. The palate unfolds with flavors of vanilla, apricot and bright orange zest, balanced by subtle earthy undertones. It finishes spice-forward, highlighted by black pepper and a delicate hint of mint for a clean, lingering close.

“We spent a lot of time tasting this at different proofs, and 110 is where it really came together,” Bock said. “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.”

Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey will be available through an online lottery, which begins May 4 at noon EST and ends May 11 at noon EST. The lottery is open nationwide, but winners MUST be able to purchase bottles in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop. To enter, please submit a form here. Limit one entry per person. Additional terms may apply. 

Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey will be available in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants.

Winners will be randomly selected May 12 and notified by email immediately following the selection; bottles must be picked up between May 13 and May 31. Each 750ml bottling will be available through the A. Smith Bowman Gift Shop at a suggested retail price of $79.99 (local taxes and fees apply).  For more information, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.  

Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey joins A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s growing portfolio of annual whiskey offerings, which saw the release of its fifth edition of Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey earlier this year. Additional bottlings currently available in the portfolio include Bowman Brothers Small Batch, Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished, and John J. Bowman Single Barrel.

Read more: A. Smith Bowman Releases Hungarian Oak Expression

About A. Smith Bowman

As Virginia’s oldest distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s rich history dates back to 1927, when Abram Smith Bowman purchased 7,200-acres in Fairfax County, Virginia. Named Sunset Hills Farm, the Bowman Family were grain and dairy farmers until the fields became so abundant that Bowman needed a use for the excess grain. In 1934, he built a groundbreaking distillery on the farmland and, with the help of his two sons, produced the first-ever batch of Virginia Gentleman Whiskey. Today, the historic distillery has relocated 60 miles away to Fredericksburg, where it operates as a small, family-owned company continuing the time-honored traditions on which it was founded, producing premium handcrafted spirits in small batches and experimental editions that embody innovation at its core. For more information on A. Smith Bowman Distillery, visit asmithbowman.com.