The 2025 International Whisky Competition (IWC) wrapped up with a bang, crowning A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Batch #4 as the Best Bourbon and Best American Whiskey. This Virginia-born bourbon, bottled at a hefty 69.85% ABV (139.7 proof), scored an impressive 97.01 points, landing it just 0.03 points shy of the overall Whisky of the Year title, which went to Taiwan’s Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt with 97.04 points. Held in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and Louisville’s Thoroughbred Society, the IWC’s rigorous judging process put this bourbon at the top of the pack, and it’s easy to see why.
A. Smith Bowman Distillery, nestled in Fredericksburg, Virginia, has been crafting spirits since 1935, making it the state’s oldest still-operating distillery. Now under the Sazerac umbrella, alongside heavyweights like Buffalo Trace and Barton 1792, the distillery has built a reputation for its small-batch and experimental releases. The Cask Strength series, in particular, has earned a loyal following since becoming a permanent fixture in 2021. Batch #4, released in early 2025, is no exception, delivering a bold, unfiltered experience that whiskey lovers can’t stop talking about.
What makes this bourbon stand out? It’s uncut and non-chill-filtered, meaning it’s as close to the barrel as you can get without sticking your head inside one. The flavor profile is a journey in itself. The nose hits with rich leather, ripe plums, and a touch of crisp apple, setting the stage for a complex sip. On the palate, it unfolds with notes of raspberry chocolate, juicy stone fruit, and a warm kick of cinnamon spice. The finish is clean and crisp, with apple notes lingering like the last bite of a perfectly baked pie. At 139.7 proof, it’s a powerhouse, but the balance of fruit, oak, and spice keeps it from overwhelming the senses.
Getting your hands on a bottle, though, is no easy feat. A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Batch #4 was released through an online lottery that ran from February 24 to March 3, 2025, with winners announced on March 5. Those lucky enough to score a bottle had to pick it up in person at the distillery’s gift shop in Fredericksburg, where it retailed for around $100, plus taxes and fees. Limited allocations also made their way to select retailers, bars, and restaurants across the U.S., but with the hype surrounding this release, they didn’t sit on shelves for long. The distillery’s lottery system, requiring in-person pickup, adds to the exclusivity, making it a badge of honor for those who manage to snag one.
The IWC, now in its 16th year, is no small deal. Since 2010, it’s been a benchmark for whiskey excellence, with a judging process that’s as meticulous as it gets. Starting in 2015, the competition adopted a one-at-a-time blind tasting format, where judges analyze each whiskey for aroma, palate, balance, and finish, awarding only Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals per category. This year’s top 10 whiskies included heavy hitters like Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey (96.50 points) and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525 (95.73 points), but A. Smith Bowman’s Batch #4 stood out for its near-perfect score and dual accolades.
The distillery’s knack for crafting high-proof, flavorful bourbon comes from years of expertise. Hand-selected by Distiller David Bock, Batch #4 is a blend of barrels aged at least 10 years, showcasing the best of what A. Smith Bowman has to offer. Bock’s approach is all about authenticity—no fancy finishes or additives, just pure bourbon crafted with precision. The result is a whiskey that’s bold yet approachable, with a depth that appeals to both seasoned collectors and those just diving into the world of high-proof spirits.
Sazerac’s influence can’t be ignored either. The company, which acquired A. Smith Bowman in 2003, brings a wealth of bourbon-making know-how to the table. It’s no coincidence that their other brands, like Buffalo Trace, are also darlings of the whiskey world. Yet, A. Smith Bowman maintains its own identity, rooted in Virginia’s distilling heritage. Founded the day after Prohibition ended, the distillery carries a legacy of resilience and innovation, and Batch #4 is a testament to that tradition.
For whiskey fans, the buzz around this release is well-earned. Social media posts on X lit up with excitement, with users calling it a “must-buy” and praising its rich, layered flavors. The bourbon’s high proof doesn’t just deliver a kick—it brings out a complexity that makes every sip an experience. Whether you’re sipping it neat or adding a splash of water to tame the heat, it’s a bottle that demands attention.
The 2025 IWC also highlighted the global strength of whiskey, with Taiwan’s Kavalan taking top honors and Sazerac’s Drew Mayville earning Master Blender of the Year. But for bourbon lovers, A. Smith Bowman’s Batch #4 is the real story. Its near-miss for Whisky of the Year only adds to its allure, proving that this Virginia distillery is playing at the highest level. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, it’s not just a purchase—it’s a chance to taste a piece of bourbon history.
