The Virginia Distillery Revisits Rye Whiskey After 16 Years.
A. Smith Bowman Distillery has announced Abraham Bowman Special Release #26, the latest entry in the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection. The release marks the distillery’s return to rye whiskey experimentation within the series for the first time since its inaugural 2010 limited-edition rye release.
Distilled in 2015, the new expression focuses on extended aging and higher proof as part of the distillery’s ongoing exploration of how production variables influence rye whiskey flavor and structure.
11-Year-Old Rye Aged in Warehouse A
The whiskey was matured for 11 years in Warehouse A, described by the distillery as its coolest warehouse environment, allowing for a slower aging process. Bottled at 110 proof, the release differs significantly from the original 90-proof Abraham Bowman Limited Edition #1 Rye Whiskey issued in 2010.
According to the distillery, the release was designed to study how elevated proof levels impact intensity, balance, and overall rye whiskey character.
Flavor Profile and Distillery Commentary
The distillery describes the whiskey as opening with aromas of maple syrup, copper, and spring floral notes. The palate reportedly includes vanilla, apricot, orange zest, and earthy undertones, followed by a finish featuring black pepper and mint.
Master Distiller David Bock stated, “Every Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release is an opportunity to ask new questions and explore new processes for making whiskey. With this release, we wanted to continue our pursuit of the perfect rye mashbill. By allowing this whiskey to age for over a decade and bottling it at a higher proof, we were able to deepen our understanding of how these elements shape the character of a rye whiskey. The result is a whiskey that is both expressive and balanced, showcasing the complexity rye can offer.”
Bock added, “We spent a lot of time tasting this at different proofs, and 110 is where it really came together. With a higher proof you’re getting more intensity, but also more nuance. For a rye whiskey especially, this release is incredibly smooth, and the vanilla beautifully balances with the pepperiness.”
Lottery Details and Availability
Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey will be offered through an online lottery running from May 4 through May 11, 2026. Winners will be selected on May 12 and notified by email. Bottles must be purchased in person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop between May 13 and May 31.
The release will also see limited distribution through Sazerac Company’s U.S. distributor network to select retailers, bars, and restaurants. The suggested retail price for a 750mL bottle is $79.99.
Expanding the Abraham Bowman Portfolio
Special Release #26 joins the distillery’s broader lineup of annual releases, including its Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The current core portfolio also includes Bowman Brothers Small Batch, Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished, and John J. Bowman Single Barrel expressions.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, join our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Jack Daniel’s x McLaren F1 Collab Drops New “Halo MK1” Tennessee Whiskey
- Virginia Distillery Co. Launches Split Barrel Project #1 with Bardstown Bourbon Company
- A. Smith Bowman Distillery Releases Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey
- 380: Politics, Pours, and Portfolios: Inside Kentucky Senator Bourbon with Damon Thayer
- 379: Marketing Maverick Steven Grasse Reveals the “Creative Grenades” Shaping the Future of Spirits
- Sazerac Company Named Cornerstone Partner of Louisville Soccer Clubs
