Virginia’s A. Smith Bowman Distillery has introduced its first new rye whiskey in 16 years, marking a significant addition to its award-winning lineup. Known among whiskey enthusiasts, Bowman has developed a strong reputation for its “Special Release” line, which began in 2010 with a well-received 9-year-old rye whiskey bottled at 90 proof. Over the years, the distillery has released 24 different variations, yet none have included rye—until now.

The newest offering, Special Release #26, was distilled in 2015 and aged for over a decade in the distillery’s Warehouse A, where cooler temperatures help with the aging process. This current release boasts an impressive ABV of 110 proof, a notable increase from its predecessor’s 90 proof.

David Bock, Master Distiller at A. Smith Bowman, stated, “Every Abraham Bowman Limited Edition release is an opportunity to ask new questions and explore new processes for making whiskey.” He emphasized that this release aimed to perfect their rye mash bill, resulting in a spirit that is both expressive and balanced, featuring notes of maple syrup, vanilla, apricot, orange zest, and a spice-forward finish with hints of black pepper and mint.

Fans eager to acquire a bottle can enter an online lottery, running from May 4th to May 11th. Winning participants will be notified and can purchase one bottle in person at the distillery gift shop from May 13th to 31st, with an MSRP of $79.99 before taxes and fees. A limited number of bottles will also be available through select retailers and bars across the U.S.