A. Smith Bowman Distillery — Local services in Fredericksburg

What can I say about the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg Virginia? It is a must see! From the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out, you are treated as family in this small but historical distillery. On the south eastern edge of this North Virginia town, the Bowman Distillery has history dating back to the end of prohibition. It also has been named best bourbon outside of Kentucky. 😋 The best part is with such a small operation, the tour and tasting takes less than an hour and gets you up close and personal with the distilling process. Walking into the warehouse is an experience for your sense of smell (I may have been forced to leave 😳 😅). The Commonwealth of Virginia does limit the taste testing to 4 flavors but if you go there more than once they will have you try different flavors. Then there is the shop. It has all their current flavors available for purchase as well as some sauces for cooking, barware, and apparel. Another neat option is the ability to get your hands on one of their used barrels.

So, while you can find some of their products in the Virginia ABC stores, this is the only location where you have access to all of their products...to include the single barrel bourbon, small batch, port, vodka, gin, rum, and cream.

I highly recommend taking the time to visit this business if you find yourself in the Fredericksburg area!

#OwlsTweet...

On our way back from Virginia Beach we decided to take a little detour and swing by the distillery for the free tour. We love the Single Barrel offering and unfortunately have missed out every time on the Cask lottery. With that being said here are my thoughts:

Good: The tour is free and comes with small samples of Rum, Gin and the Port Finished bourbon. The building and atmosphere is very cool. The gift shop has a lot of neat items for purchase. The barrel storage area is quite impressive, clean and well organized.

Bad: They had only Small Batch and Port finished as far as whiskey to purchase. They mentioned having Single Barrel in the morning but it sold out quick (as usual they stated) Not much insight as to the BT and Sazarac connection or mashbills used. Not much insight into the experimental batches or any upcoming products.

Overall: Fun if you are passing by but would not go out of my way to visit. Surprised if they know things sell out early they don’t space them out through the day. Also, would love more insight into future products and availability as it’s light on total offerings and supply of things like cask certainly doesn’t meet the demand. We did see the cask bottles waiting to be picked up which hurt a bit lol. They mentioned if not picked up by the end of day the remaining would be sold to...

A. Smith Bowman Distillery is a hidden gem in Fredericksburg, Virginia, offering an unforgettable experience for both bourbon aficionados and curious newcomers alike. The distillery, rich in history and tradition, provides a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of whiskey making. The facility is immaculate, blending historic charm with modern craftsmanship, and the quality of their spirits speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence.

What truly sets this tour apart, however, is Jeff — hands down the best tour guide you could hope for. Jeff’s knowledge is impressive, but it’s his enthusiasm and storytelling that truly elevate the experience. He brings the distillery’s legacy to life with humor, insight, and a genuine passion for the craft. Whether he’s explaining the nuances of the distilling process or sharing anecdotes about the Bowman family, Jeff keeps you engaged from start to finish.

The tasting at the end of the tour is the perfect capstone, featuring a lineup of smooth, flavorful spirits — especially the Bowman Brothers bourbon and John J. Bowman single barrel. You leave not only with a greater appreciation for quality whiskey but also feeling like you were part of something special.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss this tour — and be sure to...