A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY ADVANCES RYE WHISKEY EXPERIMENTATION WITH LATEST ABRAHAM BOWMAN LIMITED EDITION RELEASE

After 16 Years, A. Smith Bowman Distillery Reintroduces Rye Whiskey with a Focus on Extended Aging and Higher Proof

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA (April 27, 2026) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Virginia’s Oldest Continually Operating Distillery, today announces the newest release from the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection: Abraham Bowman Special Release #26, an American rye whiskey that draws inspiration from the Distillery’s inaugural 2010 Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release. This latest expression reflects years of constant experimentation to better understand how variables such as mashbill, proof, and aging shape the character of rye whiskey.

Distilled in 2015, Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 explores two key elements of whiskey making: extended aging and elevated alcohol proof. While many rye whiskeys are aged for approximately 4-6 years, these barrels were aged for 11 years in the Distillery’s Warehouse A, which offers the coolest warehouse temperatures and allows for a slower aging process. Bottled at 110 proof, considerably higher than the original 90-proof Abraham Bowman Limited Edition #1 Rye Whiskey, it continues the Distillery’s exploration of how higher proofs influence flavor intensity, structure, and overall balance.

“Every Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release is an opportunity to ask new questions and explore new processes for making whiskey,” said A. Smith Bowman Distillery Master Distiller David Bock. “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.”

Known for its bold and distinctive character, rye grain often brings pronounced spice and intensity to a whiskey. While that profile has a well-established place in the category, A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s approach focuses on achieving a more balanced flavor profile. On the nose, this limited-edition rye whiskey opens with rich notes of maple syrup layered with hints of copper and fresh Spring aromatics. The palate unfolds with flavors of vanilla, apricot and bright orange zest, balanced by subtle earthy undertones. It finishes spice-forward, highlighted by black pepper and a delicate hint of mint for a clean, lingering close.

“We spent a lot of time tasting this at different proofs, and 110 is where it really came together,” said Bock. “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.”

Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey will be available through an online lottery, which begins May 4 at noon EST and ends May 11 at noon EST. The lottery is open nationwide, but winners MUST be able to purchase bottles in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop. To enter, please submit a form here. Limit one entry per person. Additional terms may apply. Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey will be available in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants.

Winners will be randomly selected May 12 and notified by email immediately following the selection; bottles must be picked up between May 13 and May 31. Each 750ml bottling will be available through the A. Smith Bowman Gift Shop at a suggested retail price of $79.99 (local taxes and fees apply).  For more information, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

Abraham Bowman Special Release #26 Rye Whiskey joins A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s growing portfolio of annual whiskey offerings, which saw the release of its fifth edition of Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey earlier this year. Additional bottlings currently available in the portfolio include Bowman Brothers Small Batch, Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished, and John J. Bowman Single Barrel.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location. 

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

Sam Filmus and Chris Uhde of ImpEx Beverages announced with excitement today the release of the latest Edition of their Independent bottling line, The ImpEx Collection. Edition Five features eleven “gems” for fans of the brand to experience; eight Scotches and two World Single Malts.

When asked about Edition Five, Sam Filmus, Keeper of the Quaich and President of ImpEx Beverages, said, “With Edition Four of The ImpEx Collection we really tried to curate something that allowed the distilleries unique signatures to shine through in their simplest form, primarily bottling second fill casks.  Edition Five is a compilation of some really incredible wine casks, allowing connoisseurs to experience what magic can occur when the distillate is influenced by these special and unique notes to deliver complex (yet balanced) flavor profiles.”

Scotch Whisky:
The ImpEx Collection 2008 17 yo Linkwood Chateau Margaux Red Wine Barrique #14547
252 bottles, 58% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2010 14 yo Teaninich Margaux Red Wine Barrique #721395
275 bottles, 57.9% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2011 13 yo Blair Athol 1st Fill Hogshead #304172
233 bottles, 56.3% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2011 14 yo Ardmore ex-Bourbon Barrel #802498
163 bottles, 59.2% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2011 14 yo Burnside Blended Malt Chateau Latour Barrique #24789
261 bottles, 63.8% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2011 14 yo Dailuaine Quarter Cask #313842
161 bottles, 54% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2013 11 yo Teaninich ex-Bourbon Barrel #707207
243 bottles, 56.8% abv.
The ImpEx Collection 2019 4 yo Isle of Raasay Peated Manzanilla Cask #1195
276 bottles, 60.3% abv.  (93 points Whisky Advocate, Gold Medal, 94 points – San Francisco World Spirits Competition)

World Single Malt
The ImpEx Collection 2018 6 yo Spirit of Yorkshire ex-Madeira Single Cask #3152
274 bottles, 52.7% abv.  (92 points Whisky Advocate; Gold Medal – Enthusiast Report International Spirits Competition)

The ImpEx Collection 2020 3 yo Pokeno 1st Fill Amontillado Cask #26
330 bottles, 58.5% abv.  (93 points Whisky Advocate; Best of Category, ADI International Spirits Competition; Gold Medal, 90 points – San Francisco World Spirits Competition)

Since its debut in 2021, expressions from The ImpEx Collection have brought home twenty-three Gold or better medals from renowned competitions including San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Whiskies of the World Awards, Las Vegas Global Spirit Competition, Whisky Ring Awards, Enthusiast Report International Spirits Competition, ADI International Spirits Competition, and Whiskey and Barrel Nite Consumer Choice Awards.  Additionally, they have received twenty-eight 90+ scores from Whisky Advocate and other respected reviewers including two Top 10 of the year inductions in the whisky and rum categories.

Excited consumers can discover the ‘Gems’ from The ImpEx Collection Edition Five from specialty retailers across the US.  For more information on these beautiful Single Casks, including where to buy, please email ImpEx Beverages at Office@ImpExBev.com for an individual and personalized response.

Find Out More

About The ImpEx Collection

The ImpEx Collection is a labor of love derived from the heart of Sam Filmus, President and Managing Director of ImpEx Beverages. He, along with his business partner Chris Uhde, spend a great amount of time and passion selecting the casks that go into each bottle that you find on the shelf of The ImpEx Collection.

After over 40 years of combined industry experience, you can tell that each cask is unique and special, offering the best that different categories have to offer. Whether you find yourself looking for a dram of rare and unique whisky or you’re seeking a rum or mezcal, you can be sure that each bottle of The ImpEx Collection will take your passion for a spirit to new heights.

The high expectations for quality and taste that Sam and Chris possess can be found in each sip of delicious juice. While we unveil the offerings from The ImpEx Collection, we hope you will find the taste and style that suits you best.

About ImpEx Beverages

In 2008, a new chapter began after years in the business captaining JVS Imports, for Sam Filmus. With ImpEx Beverages, his vision was to import premium and rare spirits from around the world, with a special emphasis on the best of what Scotland has to offer.

In 2018, Chris Uhde joined Sam as his business partner in ImpEx Beverages and together they have expanded the portfolio and vision for ImpEx. Now, ImpEx boasts an impressive portfolio, including some of the most notable small to medium sized distilleries and independent bottlers.

ImpEx Beverages imports Whisky, Gin, Rum, and Mezcal from Scotland, Japan, Israel, Mexico, England, the Caribbean, India, and New Zealand with future anticipated additions from unexpected destinations. We also feature a fine line of Liqueurs and Cordials produced in the US.

The Macallan unveils Distil Your World Paris

The Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whisky journeys to the City of Light for the fifth edition in the acclaimed Distil Your World series: Distil Your World Paris, a love letter to the gastronomic artistry of the French capital.

The Macallan and the Roca brothers – owners of El Celler de Can Roca, twice named World’s Best Restaurant – unite to bring together the precision of whisky making with the artistry of haute cuisine, capturing the essence of Paris. Previous editions have explored New York, London, Mexico and Hong Kong.

This exceptional single malt – created by Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell – captures the essence of Paris through its flavours, aromas and cultural richness, drawing inspiration from the French capital’s elegance and epicurean artistry. It celebrates l’art de la table, the refined dining tradition that unites every element of gastronomy – ingredients, provenance, preparation, cooking, crockery, setting, ambiance, aromas, and flavours – each detail adding its own character.

A sensory portrait of Paris, this rare single malt encapsulates the soul of the city through flavour, drawing on notes of buttered pastries, brioche, sweet fruits and gentle spices. The whisky evokes the senses and aromas that define Parisian inspiration with local flavours – sandalwood, gentle spice, almond croissant, and peach melba – evoking the city’s patisseries, perfumeries, and poetic streetscape.

American sherry seasoned oak casks contribute a creamy sweetness and floral elegance, which is balanced with European sherry seasoned oak casks that add depth and structure, while ex-bourbon casks introduce tropical warmth and toasted notes. The addition of rare Cognac casks – unique to this release – deliver a final flourish of French refinement.

The whisky’s natural colour, Parisian Sunrise, was inspired by the first light seen from Montmartre, casting a golden hue over the city. This edition’s presentation box features “street yellow,” a nod to Paris’s iconic street lighting and its reputation as the City of Light.

The design of the inner artwork, created in collaboration with Paris-based artist Cassandre Montoriol, reflects the vibrant energy and timeless charm of Paris. Her expressive gouache illustrations depict a lively table d’hôte scene on a quintessential Parisian street, bathed in the warm glow of evening lights. The outer pack features a map tracing Kirsteen’s journey through the city, with key locations elevated in sculptural detail, creating a beautiful and dynamic image.

Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “The Macallan has always been rooted in storytelling, and every creation we craft carries its own. This Distil Your World edition feels especially meaningful to me because of the experiences, sights and emotions I brought back from Paris. In building its flavours, I layered new ideas over the signature character of The Macallan to create something familiar, yet a little unexpected. I took a piece of Paris home with me – and this release is my personal interpretation of that journey.”

Accompanying the whisky’s launch is a documentary film that captures an intimate and sensorial journey through the heart of Paris, exploring the origins of modern dining and the refined ritual of l’art de la table. Led by The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell, and Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, the film follows their encounters with Parisian artisans, chefs, and cultural custodians, including renowned Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, Artisanal Baker Apollonia Poilâne, and menu collector Jérôme Dumant.

The documentary reveals how the spirit of Paris – its elegance, passion, and gastronomic heritage – was distilled into a singular whisky and a culinary experience. It is a celebration of craftsmanship, connection, and the timeless art of hosting, where every detail, from the table setting to the aromas in the glass, tells a story of place and tradition.

Become a Friend Today

We have some big news: Our brand new loyalty program Friends of The Whisky Exchange is up and running! As someone who’s enjoyed a sip or two with us in the past, we’d love to have you join the crowd.

As a Friend, you’ll be part of a likeminded community of both whisky and spirits lovers, and enjoy things like quarterly rewards and early access to some of our most in-demand bottles. And the moment you become a Friend, we’ll take £10 off your next order over £70.

So click on the link below to join, and let’s get this friendship started.

Warm regards,
The Whisky Exchange Team

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 599: Compass Box Ethereal

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a rather special blended malt. For the 65th anniversary of the French La Maison du Whisky, John Glaser and his associates created this blended malt with Miltonduff, Caol Ila, Old Pulteney, and Ardbeg. The components are 17 and 26 years old! So, we can expect a smoky whisky.

https://youtu.be/YwAb21HmV3o

Johnnie Walker Red Soul – a sweeter, smoother Scotch crafted for a new generation of whisky drinkers

For the first time, Johnnie Walker Red Label is introducing a new global innovation: Johnnie Walker Red Soul.

With a sweeter, smoother take on the original icon, Johnnie Walker Red Soul is designed to offer a more accessible Scotch for non-whisky drinkers and will roll out globally from March.

Through a recommended signature serve of Johnnie Walker Red Soul and Lemonade with a pinch of sea salt and strawberry garnish, Red Soul invites consumers to take their first step into the whisky category.

The new innovation is underpinned by consumer insights around perceived taste barriers; over a quarter of non-Scotch whisky drinkers are open to the category but are seeking sweeter flavours (CCF 2023)¹, reinforcing the need for an innovation adapted to evolving preferences without compromising on quality.

Johnnie Walker Red Soul also plays into Diageo’s ambition to strengthen its portfolio at an entry-level price-point, the largest and fastest-growing market segment in global blended Scotch whisky (IWSR forecast to 2029)².

John Williams, Global Whiskey Director at Diageo, commented:

“One of the things that makes Johnnie Walker a global leader is our ability to offer choice at every price point and respond to the evolving needs of consumers, whether they are whisky lovers or totally new to the category.

“Red Label has been a market leader and global growth engine for over 35 years (IWSR 2025). It’s an icon of quality which has been recruiting new whisky drinkers – particularly females and younger audiences – yet, for some, it’s still not always considered a drink that feels easy and social.

“Johnnie Walker Red Soul shows another side to whisky – softer, a bit sweeter and perfect for mixing. We see it as a great choice for those looking for a quality spirit at a more affordable price point.”

Johnnie Walker Red Soul has been intentionally designed by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker and her team of expert whisky makers to reimagine how and when Scotch can be enjoyed – bringing a new energy to the whisky category.

Vibrant Scotch Character

Johnnie Walker Red Soul is crafted around rich vanilla sweetness, unfolding into notes of caramel fudge and gentle oak before settling into a smooth, creamy finish. Bright, balanced and bursting with vibrance, it delivers a sweeter, smoother profile with no smoky notes.

Inspired by the pioneering spirit of Johnnie Walker, Red Soul reimagines the iconic boldness of Johnnie Walker Red Label with a contemporary twist. Drawing from the same unparalleled reserves of aging casks, it offers a softer, more versatile style designed for today’s social occasions.

Flavour That Holds Its Own

When Emma and her team approached the concept for Red Soul, versatility for new drinkers was at the forefront of their thinking. This is a Scotch whisky that holds its character in longer, lighter tasting serves and shines in simple combinations that elevate spontaneous late afternoon and early evening moments with friends.

It is the culmination of years of experimentation and curiosity that’s at the heart of everything Johnnie Walker does – always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in whisky.

Compared to Johnnie Walker Red Label’s spicier, smokier, distillery-driven style, Red Soul highlights sweeter, smoother characteristics with no smoky notes, allowing maturation flavours to truly shine.

Made to be shared, this vibrant Scotch whisky comes to life in the signature Johnnie Walker Red Soul & Lemonade serve with a pinch of sea salt and strawberry garnish, where its balanced sweetness and softer oak flavours open up beautifully with lemonade, creating a vibrant drink that lets its distinctive Scotch whisky character shine through.

Emma Walker said: “I really welcomed the opportunity to develop Johnnie Walker Red Soul. Johnnie Walker Red Label has always held a special place for me – I’ve long loved its bold, spicy energy and the way it brings vibrancy to any occasion. It’s a blend with real character.

“With Red Soul, I wanted to explore a different expression of that spirit. We kept the lively, approachable core that defines Red Label, but chose to dial up the vibrant vanilla sweetness and smoothness, deliberately stepping away from smoky notes to create something brighter. It was a flavour profile designed to appeal to a younger audience who perhaps had not tried whisky previously. 

“The result is a whisky that feels open and incredibly versatile – one that shines in simple serves and is perfectly suited to relaxed, spontaneous times with friends.”

Johnnie Walker Red Soul will initially be launched in markets across Europe and MENA with additional markets to follow. RRP is £25 GBP (prices may vary).

*Legal Drinking Age +

¹ 26% of non-Scotch drinkers are open to the category but are seeking sweeter flavours, (Source: Consumer Choice Framework – Kantar/Diageo 2023 – sample 30,000 people across 10 countries)

North British North Star Single Cask Whisky 30 Year Old·1995 Vintage

£59.95

Bottled by North Star Spirits for the UK as part of the 10 Year Birthday Bottling series, this 1995 North British was released at 30 years old. Matured in a refill hogshead and bottled at 50.2% ABV, the cask yielded 436 bottles.

Long-aged single grain whisky often shows a particularly smooth and polished style, and the refill hogshead allows that maturity to shine without excessive wood influence. Here, the extended ageing brings together vanilla, soft toffee, gentle oak and sweet grain notes in a mellow, easy-going profile with plenty of depth.

The A-Z of Scotch Whisky

Our essential glossary featuring 150+ words every whisky lover needs to know. Whether you’re swirling your first dram or you’re deep in your whisky education journey, this A–Z is your gateway to better understanding the world of Scotch.

📖 Learn More

ralfy review 1125 Extras – A micro-blend of malts.