John J Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon 750ML

John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV) Virginia single barrel bourbon, triple-distilled and aged 9–10 years in new charred American oak. Named World's Best Bourbon at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards, this expression also earned a 94-point score from Jim Murray and a Gold Medal at the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition—placing it among the most decorated bourbons produced outside Kentucky.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Spotsylvania County, Virginia, USA  |  Aged 9-10 Years  |  Distillery: A. Smith Bowman

Production & Heritage

A. Smith Bowman Distillery, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the commonwealth. What makes John J. Bowman unusual among bourbons is its triple-distillation process: the spirit is distilled twice at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, using the Buffalo Trace #1 mashbill (a high-corn, low-rye grain bill), then shipped to Virginia where it undergoes a third distillation in a copper pot still affectionately named "Mary." Each bottle is drawn from a single barrel of new charred American oak after 9–10 years of maturation, and no two barrels are identical—yielding subtle variation from release to release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich caramel and vanilla lead, followed by layers of baked apple, honey, and a thread of oak. A second nosing reveals hints of baking chocolate and warm bread.

Taste: The entry is sweet with toffee, cinnamon, and dark cherry arriving almost immediately. At mid-palate the proof asserts itself, carrying roasted nuts, figs, and a flicker of leather. A wave of baking spice—clove and black pepper—builds toward the peak without turning hot.

Finish: Medium-long and warming, with lingering oak tannins, dried fruit sweetness, and a subtle licorice note. The triple distillation contributes a slightly more delicate, polished texture than many 100-proof bourbons deliver.

How to Drink John J. Bowman

At 100 proof, this bourbon rewards neat pours or a single large ice cube that slowly opens the aromatics as it dilutes. A few drops of water can coax out additional fruit and honey notes without diminishing structure. Three cocktails where it shines: an Old Fashioned, where the toffee and oak backbone stand up to bitters and sugar with authority; a Manhattan, where the dark cherry and fig notes weave seamlessly with sweet vermouth; and a Boulevardier, where the full-proof weight holds its own against Campari's bitterness.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates single barrel variation
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Virginia and Kentucky bourbon styles
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar
• Building a home bar anchored by an award-winning, 100-proof workhorse

Frequently Asked Questions

What does John J. Bowman taste like? It leads with toffee, caramel, and dark cherry, balanced by baking spice, roasted nuts, and oak, finishing with a warming, medium-long fade of dried fruit and licorice.

How does John J. Bowman compare to Blanton's? Both share Buffalo Trace's #1 mashbill, but Bowman undergoes a third distillation in Virginia and typically ages 9–10 years versus Blanton's roughly 6–8 years, resulting in a slightly deeper oak influence and more polished texture. Multiple reviewers have noted Bowman as comparable to—or exceeding—Blanton's in overall quality, often at a lower price tier.

Is John J. Bowman good for sipping neat? Absolutely—the 100-proof strength carries enough body and complexity for neat drinking, and the triple distillation smooths any harshness that can accompany higher proofs.

Where is John J. Bowman made? John J. Bowman is produced at A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, using distillate originally created at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, which is then re-distilled and aged in Virginia.

What foods pair well with John J. Bowman? Smoked brisket or pulled pork pairs naturally with the bourbon's oak and toffee; dark chocolate truffles echo the baking chocolate on the nose; pecan pie complements its roasted nut and caramel notes; aged cheddar or Gruyère contrasts the sweetness with savory depth; and apple tart mirrors the baked apple and cinnamon on the palate.

What sizes does John J. Bowman come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle; limited-availability 375ml half-bottles may appear in select markets, though 750ml is the primary format.

Is John J. Bowman worth the price? Positioned as a premium single barrel bourbon, John J. Bowman consistently competes with bottles priced well above it—its 2017 World's Best Bourbon title and Jim Murray 94-point score place it among elite company, making it strong value within the single barrel category.

Why John J. Bowman?

The triple-distillation method is genuinely rare in American bourbon, and it gives this expression a textural refinement that separates it from standard single barrel offerings. Winning World's Best Bourbon in 2017 against global competition—not just American entrants—validated what many enthusiasts had already discovered. The combination of Buffalo Trace's proven #1 mashbill, nearly a decade of barrel aging, and a final copper-pot distillation in Virginia creates a bourbon that bridges two great whiskey-producing states. For drinkers seeking single barrel depth without the allocation frenzy surrounding its Kentucky-made cousins, John J. Bowman delivers a credible—and some argue superior—alternative.