In an impressive demonstration at the 2025 International Whisky Competition (IWC), the A. Smith Bowman distillery's Cask Strength batch #4 conquered the judges' palates. Hailing from Fredericksburg, Virginia, this fine tipple was awarded Best American Whiskey and Best Bourbon, scoring an impressive 97.01--second only to Whisky of the Year, Taiwan's Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt, scoring narrowly higher at 97.04.

A. Smith Bowman boasts a rich history as Virginia's oldest functioning distillery. The Sazerac Company purchased it in 2003, and since then it has accumulated accolades for its specialty releases, including the much sought after Cask Strength line. The honored Cask Strength batch #4 bourbon, released in early 2025, impresses with an ABV of 69.85% (139.7 proof).

Brand tasting reviews reveal a captivating flavor profile, from initial aromas of intense leather, plums, and a faint apple scent to an indulgent palate imbued with raspberry chocolate, stone fruit and cinnamon spice. Its grand finale is a pleasing, crisp apple finish.

The coveted bottles of Cask Strength batch #4 were made available via an online lottery held from February 24th to March 3rd, 2025. Lottery winners, selected on March 5th, had to visit the distillery personally to acquire their bottles, with each tagged at about $100. A limited stock was also distributed to certain retailers, bars, and restaurants countrywide.

Each year, hopeful contestants submit their entries for the IWC, which is hosted in two Louisville, Kentucky locations, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and Louisville's Thoroughbred Society. The competition format, established in 2015, presents judges with one whiskey at a time for detailed analysis and expert tasting.

On the global whisky scene, Taiwanese producer Kavalan also gained the spotlight as Distillery of the Year and Zerose Yang, their head of research and development, was bestowed the title of Master Distiller of the Year. Sazerac's Drew Mayville scooped up Master Blender of the Year honors.

Rich in legacy from its inception in 1935 as a family enterprise, A. Smith Bowman Distillery is now under the wing of Sazerac Company, proprietor of Buffalo Trace and Barton 1792. The elusive Cask Strength releases still command a high demand and their circulation remains limited. Available through select retailers and an annual online lottery held in February and March, they maintain a retail price of around $100.