A. Smith Bowman Distillery

Distillery · Spotsylvania County

A. Smith Bowman Distillery

Distillery · Spotsylvania County

1

1 Bowman Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408

Photos

A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null
A. Smith Bowman Distillery by null

Highlights

Free tours & tastings showcase award-winning bourbon, gin, & rum  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

1 Bowman Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Get directions

asmithbowman.com

$$

Information

Static Map

1 Bowman Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Get directions

+1 540 373 4555
asmithbowman.com
3Dandstlprobables

$$

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay

Last updated

Aug 27, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

20 Distillery Tours In D.C., Maryland, and Virginia | Eater DC

"A. Smith offers free hour-long tours daily, Monday through Saturday, giving visitors a glimpse of its gin, vodka, rum and bourbon-making facilities, followed by spirit tastings." - Julekha Dash

https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-distillery-tours-dc-baltimore-virginia
View Postcard for A. Smith Bowman Distillery

Ashur Benjamin

Google
Did the tour and tasting. Absolutely amazing and zero complaints (outside of I would have loved a few more samples :P ) Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and answered a ton of questions that another group member asked (all the questions were excellent, no complaints here about that). I believe our tour guide was Dale? (It started with a D, don’t remember 100% unfortunately). It’s awesome to learn about a company with over 100 year history and how they do things. Definitely a must see. Bonus, their bright and complex gin was extremely good. Might be my go to gin moving forward.

Paul Arroyo

Google
A. Smith Bowman Distillery is a hidden gem in Fredericksburg, Virginia, offering an unforgettable experience for both bourbon aficionados and curious newcomers alike. The distillery, rich in history and tradition, provides a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of whiskey making. The facility is immaculate, blending historic charm with modern craftsmanship, and the quality of their spirits speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence. What truly sets this tour apart, however, is Jeff — hands down the best tour guide you could hope for. Jeff’s knowledge is impressive, but it’s his enthusiasm and storytelling that truly elevate the experience. He brings the distillery’s legacy to life with humor, insight, and a genuine passion for the craft. Whether he’s explaining the nuances of the distilling process or sharing anecdotes about the Bowman family, Jeff keeps you engaged from start to finish. The tasting at the end of the tour is the perfect capstone, featuring a lineup of smooth, flavorful spirits — especially the Bowman Brothers bourbon and John J. Bowman single barrel. You leave not only with a greater appreciation for quality whiskey but also feeling like you were part of something special. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this tour — and be sure to ask for Jeff!

Amanda Lee

Google
We had a great time visiting the Bowman distillery!! The gift shop had great options and was aesthetically appealing. Our tour guide Kevin was friendly and very knowledgeable. The tasting was a perfect end to a great experience!

Brandon Whittaker

Google
Had an awesome time on the distillery tour with Kevin! He was funny, engaging, and made the whole experience really enjoyable. You can tell he knows his stuff, but he keeps it light and fun. Perfect way to spend a Sunday—highly recommend if you’re in the area.

Denise Solis

Google
This was my first introduction to the world of bourbon, and it was by far one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. My husband, a bourbon aficionado, had been wanting to visit the distillery for a while, and we were thrilled to finally make it happen. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality. We opted for the free tour, which was led by Chris, a highly knowledgeable guide who even took the time to educate the “afficionado” in our midst. Chris took us on a sensory journey, teaching us how to smell and taste the different flavors, which was particularly helpful for a novice like me. I truly appreciate the wonderful experience we had.

Brennan Lee

Google
Cool place with friendly staff. Went to pick up my lottery bottle and the distillery was easy to find. Went to the gift shop and was greeted by friendly staff and cool items to buy. I didnt have time for a tour or tasting but both are offered.

jacob haislip

Google
Stopped by today and was able to do a tour and tasting. Had a great time and everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable! Definitely worth the stop!

Mary A

Google
A beautiful distillery in Fredericksburg. We stopped in for a tasting on a day when they were finishing an event. The first person we encountered was very welcoming however, the person at the register seemed irritated that we were there. I'm sure they were tired from a long event day. The woman who gave us the tasting was delightful and provided great information about each of the bourbons. It didn't appear that they had a lot of area to lounge around and have a cocktail, but I don't know if that is because they had had an event that day. I would like to stop by again on a day where they are not having an event to see if the feel of the venue is different.
google avatar

Albert D.

Yelp
Very smart distillery with a good variety of drinks for bourbon gin , vodka, rum and cream liquor The tour with Johanna was great everything to detail Do recommend if you are in Fredericksburg Well done guys keep it up
google avatar

Fr. William S.

Yelp
Simpl the best. They offer you a great tour of everything by the fermentation. They educate and give you an experience. Then they give you a 'meal'. Yum. I loved their citrus gin. Their rum is palatable for this guy who doesn't drink rum. They sampled their port bourbon and it's dependable. I like the fruitiness. Definitely one I want to drink again and again. Thanks Bowman!! (Aka Sazerac)
google avatar

Ben D.

Yelp
A great place to visit friendly staff and cool tour. The A smith Bowman distillery is a great tour and they have a good amount of items in their store to purchase. The tour takes you through the history and all the steps to their bourbon reaching. Give you a lot of information on their stills and their storage. The interior is a mix of old and new which adds to the historical vs today theme of the tour. Overall worth a stop.
google avatar

Mary L.

Yelp
A decent distillery located in Fredericksburg, this is a wonderful place to take a tour and get some good liquor! The first time I came here was with my family, we went right before my oldest son joined the army. So now that he's getting ready to graduate from OCS, of course he wants a bottle from the first distillery he's ever been to. Ah, the nostalgia! Bear in mind, this trip is a little over two hours for me. But I got here shortly after 4, with some time to spare! The lovely ladies at the front are nice and helpful. Of course it was to my benefit that I knew exactly what I wanted. I looked at some of the clothing and other cool merchandise and managed to spend more than I should have! But for less than $150, I got two bottles of gin, two bottles of bourbon cream, a shirt and a nice surprise present for my boy!
google avatar

Rita G.

Yelp
We had a blast! Our guide did a great job of detailing the process of producing the bourbon whiskey. The Distillery also produces Rum, Gin and Vodka. The tour finishes with a tasting if You prefer...wouldn't have missed it! They have an entire section of gifts for your bar or the budding bartender. They also sell the barrels with tops as furniture. Would definitely look cool in the right room or patio. They sell the liquor as well. You can't ship out of Virginia, unfortunately. We purchased anyway. Bubblewap worked to get the bourbon back in out suitcases. My brother and sisterinlaw took us her. We bought them a thank you bottle. They had two different bourbons from this same facility. Went back home and the five of us did a tasting of our own! Worth a trip if You are in the area.
google avatar

Stephanie S.

Yelp
The tour and tasting are free, and I definitely recommend you buy some whiskey and/or gin from the gift shop before you leave! One of the best distillery tours I've ever been on! Sarah was an amazing tour guide. She was so bubbly and did a great job making the tour informative and interactive. She was really knowledgeable - I've been on several different distillery tours, and I still learned a lot from her. I was also really impressed not only with the information on the distilling process but also the history of the company. It was really cool to be in an active distillery while they were distilling to see it all actually in process. My husband loves whiskey, but I'm not a huge fan. Even if you're not, you're sure to enjoy the experience like I did. We were able to sample some gin during the tasting, and the caramel bourbon cream is also a favorite that you're sure to like even if you don't love whiskey. If you're from the area or just passing through, be sure to make some time to visit A. Smith Bowman!
google avatar

Chuck O.

Yelp
Delicious well thought of recipes. Can't wait to mix these or drink on their own. Worth the trip!!
google avatar

Dave L.

Yelp
Enjoyed the tour with Joann. She was very knowledgeable and put up with all my crazy questions throughout. Thanks!
google avatar

Audrey A.

Yelp
Always a great time checking out where my bourbon comes from! I've been to A Bowman Distillery three times over the past couple of years, and each visit has been fun and informative. The decor is cozy and makes you forget that you're in a warehouse. Staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. During my last trip I was fortunate enough to be part of a barrel pick team - a rare offering from the distillery. It included an in-depth behind the scenes tour of where the magic happens and a tiny taste of something special in the works. I've been part of a tasting before, but this was my first on-site one. The experience was one for the books!
google avatar

Dennis N.

Yelp
I have been to easily 30 distillery tours and definitely consider myself knowledgeable in spirits. As the size as well as how it's laid out is nice set up.I found ,as did another individual on tour ,the tour guide EXTREMELY unknowledgeable with many questions and used phrases " I'll let u dwell on that" or " something for u too think about ".Absolutely HORRIBLE responses to give as a tour guide at any tour group.Also informed her as we were going through operational distillery to speak louder or turn up speaker for us older people who's hearing isn't as great as it once was..this even after saying "oh yes,of course " couldn't be done or done as well as answering some extremely basic questions..the one opportunity I had talking and getting my questions answered from lady running lab(VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE) Was quickly ended because I wasn't in group less than 20 ft from us..ridiculous and extremely poor tour,may have just been because of guide but first distillery I didn't buy ANY spirits from .
google avatar

Steve S.

Yelp
Wifey and I were in Fredericksburg again and were looking for something to do. Did a quick search and found the A Smith Bowman Distillery did tastings and tours-how could I say no?!! Unfortunately, we weren't able to get in on a tour, but we went anyway and were able to enjoy a tasting. The bartender was great and the tastings were excellent (we tried one gin, their rum, a port barrel finished bourbon and a small batch bourbon). We liked what we tasted so much we walked out with five bottles of goodness - their rum, one of their gins, the port finished bourbon, single barrel straight bourbon and the Bowman Brother's small batch. Can't wait to sit on the patio and enjoy...
google avatar

Cristina D.

Yelp
My friend and I had a lovely experience at A Smith Bowman distillery. World-prize winning bourbon, as well as gin and vodka. Definitely worth a drive down from DC, and not too far, even with some traffic. I went on a Sunday, around midday. There were about 12 other people there-- definitely felt covid safe, and everyone was distanced safely. Not too crowded, but also busy enough to know that there was some really good product to be tried here! I went in knowing almost nothing about bourbon, and came out with a lot of facts and respect for the process! - Pros: - Complimentary Tour: Upon walking in, you can join a 30-40 minute complimentary tour of the brewery that comes along with a tasting of 4 different spirits at the end. The tour is really interesting-- first you learn a bit about the history of the Bowman family. You also and learn about the operation of and chemistry behind the two stills used, named George and Mary. Additionally, you see the laboratory, the barrel dumping room, and the massive barrel storage and maturation area. When I went, we did not see the bottling line, however this was mentioned as a usual part of the tour as well. Overall a very fun and informative experience. It was fascinating to learn more about the precise and creative process involved In making a very high quality bourbon, as well as how the brand has evolved over time. - Friendly Staff: The staff is so friendly! They will take time to provide additional context around any question that you have in a way that doesn't make you feel stupid. Special shoutout to Mikah, who led my tour, and who was extremely knowledgable and funny! - Delicious samples: After the tour, you get to try 4 samples. All the samples are lined up for you, and tie back to spirits described on the tour. The tasting menu changes each day, so if you come a different day, you will likely get a different lineup than you had before. As you try the samples The samples are enough to get a taste of each flavor, but definitely not overwhelming-- even if you are a rookie and struggle to put back such high proof spirits, if is definitely doable. There are crackers and water provided. If you need, there is also a vending machine by the entrance with sodas, juices, and teas-- if you really struggle with taking mini-shots you can always buy a chaser there! - Beautiful Gift shop - The gift shop here is really beautiful and offers some amazing gifts. You can buy many different types of spirits here for reasonable prices- 30-40$ for a reasonably large bottle. You can also buy lots of other branded merchandise-- hats, t-shirts, glasses, flasks, shot glasses, mixers! If you book this excursion via Airbnb, which is what my friend and I did, you will get a voucher for $25 per person to use in the gift store on anything except alcohol. We loaded up on gifts and goodies and also purchased some bourbon separate of the voucher. - Brownie points: During the Covid pandemic, when sanitizers were hard to come by, the distillery used its resources to create their own hand sanitizer, and distributed it for free to their community. A really kind gesture in a tough time! - Cons: - No cons-- this experience exceeded my expectations. When you head out, make sure to take, and get a stamp on, your Virginia spirits passport! This distillery participates in a passport program that allows you to get a free T-shirt if you visit a certain amount of distilleries (10, I believe?) in the Virginia area!
google avatar

Douglas C.

Yelp
We didn't even know about this distillery and luckily it was open til 5 pm. First, Kristen in the taste room is the B O M B! Friendly, fun and informative. She made it a great experience. A quick tasting of the bourbon and the gin left us satisfied with the quality. Give it a visit
google avatar

Wayne C.

Yelp
I've been a fan of their bourbons since I had my first dram of it about a year ago. Even though I pass through Fredericksburg often, I'd yet to visit the distillery. Glad I finally did. Their small batch whiskeys are truly the best Virginia Made Whiskey on the market. It's tasty as hell, and for the price the quality is top notch. Great value for what you are buying. The tour, while short and sweet, is informative. It was cool hearing the history of the Bowman Family and learning some neat facts along the way about their distilling heritage. Highly recommend a visit!
google avatar

Neal E.

Yelp
We visited A. Smith Bowman Distillery recently on a Saturday afternoon. It was a cold and rainy day, with threats of snow and freezing rain in the forecast - which did not materialize. We walked in and our senses were immediately confronted with the wonderful bouquet of wood soaked whiskey! Yummm! We inquired about purchasing a used Bourbon barrel for a beer we are making. After selecting the barrel we wanted, we paid for it, then secured it in my truck, then came back in for a whiskey tasting. I tasted three of their Bourbons, plus their Caramel Bourbon Cream liqueur. All were very good. My friend Aaron opted to taste three of the whiskeys - plus their gin. We swapped tastes on the Bourbon Cream and the gin. The gin had a pleasant, unexpected citrus bite to it that was very pleasant. Next time - I hope to stay longer and take the tour! Service was good! #ASmithBowmanDistillery
google avatar

Michele R.

Yelp
Date of visit: February 27, 2021 Wow! Wow! Earlier in the week, I was looking for things to do on the weekend and came upon A. Smith Bowman. They take reservations for their tour. I was able to secure 3 spots for my hubby, daughter and me. It was noted as a free 30 minute tour. The entrance is so pretty...beautiful red massive doors. As soon as you enter you see a beautiful Thin Blue Line wooden flag behind the desk. We are a TBL family and so that meant a lot to us. It is so pretty inside. There were so many photo ops. After we all had temps taken and questions asked due to Covid, we began the tour. The tour was very informative and lasted probably closer to an hour! We went into many rooms with the bourbon barrels and then did a tasting of one rum and 3 bourbons. All were smooth and delicious. We were all separated during the tastings and had our own barrel to stand at. We felt very comfortable there. We are fairly new to the area and cannot wait to return with friends!
google avatar

Brian S.

Yelp
Amazing tour. Fantastic tasting. All free. This is a world class operation. You learn a lot - it's fun, and ends with a great free tasting. Incredible that the tour and tasting are free. In Kentucky on the Bourbon Trail - you would need to make advance reservations and pay for a tour and tasting of this world class quality.
google avatar

Joe G.

Yelp
the bourbon is solid but unexceptional - superior for mixed drinks, but just alright for sipping neat. love the Sunset Hills gin. love the Mary Hite Bowman Caramel Bourbon Cream - great liqueur. entertaining tour and they have events a few times a year that always bring a great crew of local artisans. well worth the visit.
google avatar

Scott B.

Yelp
Finally made time to stop by this gem. Erin (sp?) was Our tour guide. She was witty and informative. Small group due to both a Monday federal Holiday in February and COVID. Erin answered all our questions. The tasting was Of 3 bourbons and the gin because they were out of the caramel cream (pout). Well worth a stop. Bought a bottle Of the single barrel And J bowman. Prices were better than VABC.
google avatar

Shannon L.

Yelp
Great tour guide Linda. She knew a ton of history, answered our left field questions, and was super friendly. She started the tour with 3 of us and as more people rolled in she just added them to the group and caught them up. That was really nice of her as the tour was about an hour long. It was a great hour. I like how they distill their own mash, ferment their own stuff, and then age it themselves. Their product is very tasty and very smooth. They make bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka (how they got famous in europe), bourbon creme, and experimentals. During our time their experimental was apple brandy. If you like the apple brandy, cooper fox distillery finishes their single malt in apple brandy casks as an experiment too. Great place to stop by from williamsburg on the way to the marine museum. Or is worth the trip just by itself! Linda was also super nice to bubble wrap our bottles we bought for our luggage.
google avatar

Deb D.

Yelp
Excellent distillery and free tour with tasting. We received a first rate tour from Art. He is very knowledgeable about the facility, processes and their products. We also met Brian the master distiller and he showed us around and also spent time explaining the distilling process. The tours were followed by a free tasting. Awesome place! You won't be disappointed!
google avatar

John C.

Yelp
This place is pretty cool. I've been here a half a dozen times, but ironically never for a tour. They have a fairly large ballroom that they host events with. I've tried a few different bourbons here and they are pretty good. Strong. I'll come back one day and do the tour.

Michael O.

Yelp
Extremely disappointed with this distillery's tasting room. They don't have very many products on the market when it comes to bourbon, so you think they'd have most/all they produce available in the tasting room. Came in from out of state and wanted to try the Abraham Bowman, but apparently it all gets distributed and nothing unique is retained at the distillery. No reason to go to the distillery if you're better off finding products on the shelf at a liquor store.
google avatar

Mike M.

Yelp
Bowman Distillery offers a great free tour (with tasting). It's fun both for whiskey enthusiasts and light drinking newcomers looking to see something new. The tour is informative. You see a lot. They don't overwhelm you with details, but the tours are led by people who work there in other capacities, know what they're talking about, and can answer questions from anyone thirsty for distilling knowledge. I've visited a number of distilleries and this might've been the best tour I've had. It's very worth a visit.
google avatar

James B.

Yelp
Excellent tour, interesting and historic business, the barrel warehouse smells like heaven!
google avatar

Elizabeth F.

Yelp
What a fun road trip this was! Easy trip from Richmond (despite a few knuckleheads on I-95). Free tour and tasting. Our guide was Erin, who spend about an hour with us, telling us the story of the company, of bourbon, the distilling, aging and bottling process, and what makes their two small batch bourbons so great. They also make a gin! At the end of a very entertaining hour, we got to taste the two bourbons and their signature cocktail of the day. On our visit, it was a mix of their caramel cream liqueur and root beer. Sounds weird, but it was delicious. DH and I treated ourselves to several bottles as well as some of the barrel char to mix in the charcoal for the next time we make barbeque. Bourbon smoked brisket sounds like a great idea to me!
google avatar

Rebecca I.

Yelp
Excellent bourbon in a beautiful setting! We stumbled onto A Smith Bowman while attempting to escape traffic between Richmond and DC. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the bourbons, aged rum, and gin we could try. Unfortunately, VA has stupid liquor laws that prevented our sampling their full product range - I'm sure everything was exceptional. Each bourbon has a unique flavor, and their line of gins is inspired. Bottles pricing is incredibly reasonable, so plan on walking away with a few!
google avatar

Matthew F.

Yelp
After having visited a number of local distilleries, I'm happy to say that A Smith Bowman is my favorite. Out off all the spirits I've sampled - gin, rum, whiskey, brandy, rye, vodka, tequila - I've concluded I'm a bourbon lover. U-S-A, U-S-A! Out of a selection of 6 liquors (including a gin, vodka, cream, rum, and 2 bourbons), you are allowed to sample 4 of them, followed by an optional tour. Both the tastings and tour are free. Did I mention free? Free bourbon? Yes, free. Gosh how I love the pairing of those two words. I opted for the Caramel Cream (a Baileys-like drink with an extra dose of caramel), a dark Caribbean rum, a single barrel bourbon, and a small batch bourbon. I bought the Cream, and would have loved to buy the John J. Bowman single barrel but wasn't ready to splurge $50. The rum and small batch bourbon were good as well. While distilleries are popping up all over the place, A Smith Bowman is by far the most established in the area. Great drinks and a great visit.
google avatar

Paul G.

Yelp
Great tour, very informative. There was a tasting at the end, so I remember nothing. They can do weddings, better yet, funerals. I wouldn't mind being preserved in a barrel of fine bourbon.
google avatar

T C.

Yelp
Came by in search of the LOVE sign. We found a great distillery that does personal tours and talk to us and not at us as we ask questions. Erin was a great guide and gave us samples to show us the differences. We bought some bourbon barrel bark for smoking and some great Carmel Bourbon Cream and some postcards to share our great experience. The LOVE sign tells the story of making bourbon, one of our favorites in the 14 we have seen.
google avatar

Vince E.

Yelp
This is truly one of Spotsylvania's best kept secret. I toured the distillery with a friend. The history of this distillery is only surpassed by the quality of their Bourbon. It's also one of the most beautiful event locations in this area. The day I was there they were setting up for a private party. It was amazing. The tour lasts about an hour and is very cool. At the end you get a tasting. But before you get too excited- it is a very small taste. The Va. ABC laws are quite ridiculous. The distillery actually has to sell their spirits to the state and then buy it back in order to give a sample. You can buy product there. But the price is basically set by the state. Their Bourbon awesome. They also make Gin, Run, and Vodka. Well worth the time for a visit.
google avatar

Chelsea W.

Yelp
This is a great tour of a great spirit. Very knowledgable tour guide , fun to understand the process. While I'm not a fan of strong spirits (give me a beer/ale any day) it was fun to see the production and facilities and taste four samples. One of them was a gin, it was amazing. I ding even like gin. The other favorite, and one I bought to take home with me -the caramel cream bourbon. Move over Baileys (or any other maker of cream whiskers)- this stuff is the bomb. I'm not sure it will make its way home ! A great place for visit if you're in the area!
google avatar

Randy S.

Yelp
A wonderful distillery with high quality spirits. Very reasonable prices. The tour and tasting were very informative and fun!

Maria D.

Yelp
We went yesterday and made reservations for the free distillery tour and tasting. Loved the tour our guide was upbeat and informative. Coolest part in my opinion was seeing their huge warehouse of different barrels. My partner has a severe nut allergy and so prior to the tasting he asked if he would be safe with everything. Our guide was very nice about it and informed us that there is one cream one that is bottled off site so she could not guarantee it's safety. She offered to swap it out with one of the other options though. Great customer service, I will certainly be keeping my eye out for Bowman bourbon in the future.
google avatar

Matthew P.

Yelp
One of the best craft distilleries in America! They make everything from Bourbon aged in port barrels to gin from scratch with actual juniper berries (not just extracts) and many other experimental spirits. Tours happen daily, just stop by for a tasting and tour. The gift shop has been redone and looks great. Such a beautiful and historic distillery.
google avatar

Reese S.

Yelp
Bourbon!!! That's all I can say. If you are familiar with their spirits. We got a tour and it was nice. As soon as you walk you, all you can smell is the angel spirits. NICE!! If you arent familiar with the process I recommend you check it out and buy some spirits afterwards.
google avatar

Corey W.

Yelp
A couple weeks ago I was in Northern Virginia for a friend's birthday party. Now, of course, if I'm making a road trip in the middle of September than I'm making a stop at a local distiller. There was one particular distillery that I've been trying to get to for years and for whatever reason every time I would plan the trip it would get derailed. So, on my way to Dumfries I made a short stop in Fredericksburg. The distillery I'm talking about (in case the heading didn't give it away) was A. Smith Bowman. If you live in Northern Virginia or DC and you haven't taken the train down to Virginia's largest distillery yet. You're doing yourself a disservice. In fact if you're in the DC area it's a very simple train ride to get to the Bowman distillery. Founded in 1934 on the day prohibition ended this distillery has been in it's current location, I nice sleepy spot right on the river, since 1988. The cavernous tasting room has got to be one of the largest ones I've ever been to. The staff were very nice and their bourbon is great. I took home their John J Bowman bourbon as well as the Carmel Bourbon Cream Liqueur. Even if you can't make it out to the distillery the John J Bowman is worth picking up at your local liquor store. But if you don't believe us. Checkout what Paste had to say. One thing I'll note for those, like me, that sometimes travel with a furry companion. Unlike many tasting rooms. There's not any outdoor seating and you cannot take your little buddy in with you. Leave the doggo at home if you decide to visit the Bowman distillery. https://whiskeytramp.com/blog/2019/9/22/virginia-spirits-month
google avatar

Matthieu K.

Yelp
If you enjoy whiskey ... you must visit. Consider this the VA spur of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. A Smith Bowman Distillery is owned by Sazarac ... Core products include John J. Bowman SiB - which is EXCELLENT. Tours are FREE. They run every hour from 1000 to 1600. Tour guides all know the business and know booze. After your tour, you go to the tasting area where they give you 4 free samples (bourbon, gin, whiskey, bourbon creme, etc etc). Prices at the distillery are less than at the VA ABC. Highly recommended.
google avatar

Jenni L.

Yelp
Our wedding was held here on October 15th and it was absolutely wonderful! The staff was so helpful during the planning stage, the ceremony, and the reception. We live in Florida so we were planning long distance and everyone was helpful and responsive. The staff was great and prompt at assisting with clean up and maintenance during the wedding. My favorite thing about this venue is that they offer a tour of the distillery to guests in between the ceremony and reception. It was nice to have something for our guests to do while we had photos taken. The barrel room made a great wedding spot and the distillery was large enough for everyone to be spaced out and not be on top of each other. The gift shop stayed open so our guests could make purchases as well. The regular distillery tour is also great (and FREE!) and their bourbons are wonderful. I'm so happy we found this venue and will have wonderful memories here!
google avatar

Kevin M.

Yelp
Nothing but good things to say. I showed up on a Friday at 2:45. I was the only one on the 3:00 tour. The person giving the tour took her time, was friendly, and did an excellent job. The Bourbon is just incredible. I ended up buying a bottle of the Single Barrel. I highly recommend a visit!
google avatar

P. G.

Yelp
My friends and I visited A. Smith Bowman in January 2016. Tours are FREE and run every hour from 10 am to 4 pm. My group arrived slightly after 3 pm, but they allowed us to join the 3 pm tour instead of waiting for the 4 pm tour. Our tour guide was great and extremely informative. After the tour concluded we were brought to the tasting area where we could taste four of their products. Again, the tasting was completely FREE. A++++ They were pouring vodka, gin, small batch bourbon, and the bourbon cream on the day that we visited. All were great, but I walked away with 3 bottles of the bourbon cream. Lastly, I found the prices to be reasonable. For reference, 750 ml of the bourbon cream was $19.99, and 750 ml of the small batch bourbon was $29.99.
google avatar

DJ R.

Yelp
The tour was amazing! Erin was an awesome guide and we learned much more than we thought. Bowman is a great place to be!
google avatar

Johnathan B.

Yelp
A nice gem in Fredericksburg. Cool tour with guys that are so passionate about bourbon, super fun and informing. Great tasting at the end of the FREE tour! And wonderful bourbon that is not too pricey and super tasty. Would recommend to anyone going around that area
google avatar

Felix T.

Yelp
Great experience with the tour. Guide was knowledgeable and humorous. Has a great time.
google avatar

Emily M.

Yelp
Very cool place and worth a drive out of town! The tour is free and you get a ton of new knowledge about distilling. The master distillers are on site testing the process during most tours. It's cool to get to see it all happen. The staff is very interested in sharing their knowledge. The end of the tour you get a small tasting. VA abc laws prevent a good amount of tasting, but since it's free you can't really be mad at it. Only complaint is that there isn't a great deal of good dining near. Bring a snack or something should you need it. Overall, it's a great way to get a Kentucky-like distilling experience here in Virginia.
google avatar

Clint H.

Yelp
If you like bourbon, don't miss out on this place. The tour is insightful and it was nice to be able to taste a few of the various liquors that are distilled here. Although they are known for their bourbon, they also make gin, vodka and a bourbon creme. The gin was good, not much a fan normally, but worth the try. I purchased a bottle of the bourbon and the bourbon creme (delicious after dinner drink). I will definitely be back.
google avatar

Tom F.

Yelp
THE best distillery tour I have ever had and the bourbon is tops. I especially like the Issac Bowman,, finished in port barrels!
google avatar

Tara G.

Yelp
I live in Philadelphia, but visit Fredericksburg a few times a year to see my cousin who lives in the area. Each time I visit, we head to A. Smith Bowman for a tour and to purchase some of their delicious bourbon. I have taken the tour more than 5 times at this point, and each time I learn something new. It's such a fun activity to look forward to, and of course coming home with some of my favorite spirits is also a plus. My favorites are the Caramel Cream and the John J. Bowman bourbon. The caramel cream is perfect for weekend coffee and the John J. is perfect for anytime! I am so glad that this distillery has become a tradition for me and I look forward to many more visits.
google avatar

Penny H.

Yelp
Great tour! We do Kentucky bourbon trail every two years and this tour gave us information that we had never heard before. Nice selection of beverages and glasses too!
google avatar

Jb B.

Yelp
Great Bourbon, but compared to other tours I have been on this one falls short. The tasting was generous, but the employee new little about the history and overall product.