Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon 750ML

Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon 750ML is a triple-distilled Virginia bourbon bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) from A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the 2019 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and Gold medals at the 2011 and 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competitions — recognition that speaks to its consistency across multiple production years. What distinguishes this bourbon is a third distillation through a copper pot still named "Mary," a step that polishes the spirit beyond what most American whiskeys undergo.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof)  |  Origin: Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA  |  Small Batch  |  Distillery: A. Smith Bowman

Production & Heritage

A. Smith Bowman Distillery traces its origins to 1934, when Abram Smith Bowman began distilling in Virginia shortly after the repeal of Prohibition. Now owned by Sazerac Company, the distillery relocated to Fredericksburg in 1988 and remains one of Virginia's most storied whiskey producers. Bowman Brothers starts with a mashbill of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley. The base distillate is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, then shipped to Virginia where it undergoes its defining third distillation through "Mary," A. Smith Bowman's copper pot still. That additional copper contact strips heavier congeners and produces a noticeably smoother, more refined character than a standard double-distilled bourbon.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Vanilla bean and caramel arrive first, followed by toasted oak and a thread of rye-spice brightness. Deeper inhalation reveals almond biscotti and a subtle coconut cream sweetness.

Taste: The entry is smooth and honeyed, with corn sweetness quickly layered by brown sugar and light toffee. At mid-palate, cinnamon warmth and gentle caramel build without becoming cloying. The rye component adds just enough peppery edge to keep the profile balanced.

Finish: Medium in length and clean, the sweetness recedes into soft oak tannin and gentle rye spice. There is no bitterness or astringency — the triple distillation keeps everything polished and approachable.

How to Drink Bowman Brothers

Neat or with a single ice cube is the ideal starting point; the 90-proof strength holds up to slight dilution without losing structure. Bowman Brothers also performs well in cocktails. An Old Fashioned benefits from the bourbon's toffee-forward sweetness, requiring less added sugar. A Whiskey Sour gains balance thanks to the clean, medium-weight palate that pairs naturally with citrus. In a Manhattan, the rye-spice backbone stands up to sweet vermouth without being overwhelmed.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Virginia bourbon for the first time
• Stocking a versatile home bar bourbon that works neat and in cocktails
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast looking beyond Kentucky expressions
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Virginia and Kentucky bourbon styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bowman Brothers taste like? Bowman Brothers delivers a sweet, approachable profile led by toffee, caramel, and brown sugar, balanced by moderate rye spice and soft oak tannin. The triple distillation gives it a noticeably smooth, clean character compared to many bourbons at similar proof.

How does Bowman Brothers compare to Buffalo Trace? Both share the same 75/15/10 corn-rye-malt mashbill and originate from the same base distillate produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. Bowman Brothers differentiates itself through an additional distillation in a copper pot still in Virginia, resulting in a slightly smoother and more polished texture than Buffalo Trace's earthier, spicier profile.

Is Bowman Brothers good for sipping neat? Yes — at 90 proof it carries enough weight and flavor concentration for neat sipping, while the triple distillation ensures a smooth, accessible drinking experience without a harsh alcohol burn.

Where is Bowman Brothers made? Bowman Brothers is produced at A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The base distillate is sourced from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, then transported to Virginia for its final distillation through the distillery's copper pot still.

What foods pair well with Bowman Brothers? Smoked pork ribs complement the bourbon's caramel sweetness. Dark chocolate brownies echo its toffee notes. Aged cheddar cheese plays off the rye spice. Pecan pie mirrors the nutty, biscotti-like aromatics. Grilled stone fruit like peaches draws out the bourbon's brown sugar character.

What sizes does Bowman Brothers come in? The standard expression is widely available in the 750ml bottle format.

Is Bowman Brothers worth the price? Bowman Brothers positions as a mid-range bourbon that punches above its price tier, backed by multiple competition medals including a Double Gold. Its triple-distilled production method is uncommon at this value level, making it a strong contender among bourbons in the moderate-premium segment.

Why Bowman Brothers?

The triple-distillation process through a dedicated copper pot still is genuinely rare in American bourbon production and gives Bowman Brothers a textural refinement that most competitors at this price point simply cannot match. Consistent medal wins — including Double Gold at the 2019 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and consecutive Golds at San Francisco — confirm the quality holds up under professional blind evaluation. The Virginia-Kentucky hybrid production story adds a layer of intrigue for enthusiasts interested in how regionality and finishing techniques shape bourbon character. For drinkers who enjoy Buffalo Trace's flavor DNA but want something smoother and more polished, Bowman Brothers is the logical next pour.