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Whiskey Facts 🥃
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Distillery: A. Smith Bowman Distillery
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Expression: Cask Strength Bourbon (Batch #4, 2025 release)
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Type: Virginia Straight Bourbon, Cask Strength
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Proof / ABV: 139.7 proof / 69.85% ABV
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Age: 10+ years
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Price: ~$100 (limited release)
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Origin: Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA
Introduction 🌟
There’s bourbon… and then there’s Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon. In early 2025, the small but mighty Virginia distillery shook the whiskey world with Batch #4 — a 139.7-proof beast that not only delivers intensity, but also took home Best Bourbon and Best American Whiskey at the International Whisky Competition. This isn’t just another cask strength release — it’s a bold statement from one of America’s oldest distilleries.
Key Takeaway ✨
Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon is proof that Virginia can hold its own against Kentucky’s giants — rich, balanced, and unforgettable at high octane.
Brand Backstory 🏛️
The A. Smith Bowman Distillery traces its roots back to 1935, when it opened in Fairfax County. Today, it operates in Fredericksburg under the Sazerac umbrella, but it hasn’t lost its boutique feel. Known for experimenting with small-batch releases, Bowman has carved out a reputation for Virginia Straight Bourbon that stands apart from Kentucky counterparts. Distiller David Bock leads the charge, carefully curating barrels that showcase Bowman’s bold yet refined house style.
Flavor Journey 🍂
Nose 👃
Dark cherry, oak char, leather, and baking spice explode upfront, with hints of caramelized sugar and molasses.
Palate 👅
Warm waves of toffee, brown sugar, and toasted oak lead, followed by roasted nuts, dark fruit, and cinnamon heat. Despite the 139.7 proof, it’s surprisingly rounded, with silky texture and complexity.
Finish 🔥
Long and powerful, leaving lingering notes of vanilla, oak smoke, and pepper spice. This is the kind of finish you feel long after the last sip.
Overall Character
Intense yet refined — a cask strength bourbon that manages to be fiery without losing balance.
Cigar Pairing Suggestions 💨
Pairing Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon with the right cigar is pure magic:
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Oliva Serie V Melanio → Rich cocoa and leather balance the bourbon’s dark fruit.
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My Father Le Bijou 1922 → Bold pepper and espresso complement the high proof.
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Arturo Fuente Anejo → Sweetness and spice echo Bowman’s caramel and oak.
Food Pairing Suggestions 🍖
This bourbon begs for hearty flavors:
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Smoked Brisket → Fatty richness tempers the proof and enhances smoky oak notes.
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Dark Chocolate Torte → Bitterness and sweetness sync with caramelized sugars.
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Sharp Cheddar or Aged Gouda → Cuts through the intensity and highlights the nutty side.
Bo Kauffmann’s Take ✍️
For me, Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon is a revelation. It shows what Virginia bourbon can be — unapologetically bold yet layered with nuance. It drinks hotter than most, but rewards patience with waves of flavor that evolve in the glass. This isn’t just a bourbon to sip — it’s one to savour and remember.
Final Thoughts 🥃
Batch #4 of Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon isn’t easy to find, but if you spot it, don’t hesitate. Between its awards, depth, and sheer character, it’s a bottle worth chasing. Virginia just might have given us the best bourbon of 2025.
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Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What makes Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon special?
Its small-batch selection, high proof (often 139–144), and Virginia pedigree make it a unique offering. Batch #4 even won Best Bourbon 2025.
How does Bowman Cask Strength compare to Kentucky bourbons?
It delivers Kentucky-level richness with a distinctly Virginia twist — slightly fruitier, oakier, and often higher in proof.
Is Bowman Cask Strength hard to find?
Yes — it’s a limited release. Expect higher secondary prices, but retail hovers around $100.
Which cigars pair best with Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon?
Rich, full-bodied smokes like Oliva Serie V Melanio or My Father Le Bijou work best.
Still curious? Drop your questions in the comments, and let’s chat about bourbon. 👉 Love exploring bold pours like this one? Check out more in-depth reviews and pairings in our Whiskey Collection.
Bo Kauffmann is the voice behind Cigar and Whiskey Guide and Smoke Signals on Substack, where he shares expert reviews, pairings, and lifestyle insights for enthusiasts around the world. A longtime cigar lover and bourbon explorer, Bo blends storytelling with deep knowledge to help readers savor every pour and every puff.
