A. Smith Bowman Distillery

A. Smith Bowman Distillery operates in a restored industrial building with copper stills named Mary and George, producing premium bourbon and other spirits. The operation uses various barrel types including port wine casks to create its products.

The facility was founded in 1934 following Prohibition's end and remained Virginia's sole legal whiskey producer until the 1950s. It was located on Sunset Hills Farm and became a cornerstone of the state's spirits industry.

The distillery demonstrates traditional bourbon-making methods that visitors can observe firsthand, while modern techniques like port wine barrel aging develop the craft further.

Visitors can join complimentary guided tours to see the production facilities and manufacturing processes. Regular tours allow guests to learn about operations and ask questions about the techniques used.

The facility received the World's Best Bourbon award in 2016 for its Isaac Bowman expression, named after a Revolutionary War soldier. This recognition brought international attention to the quality of its products.

Location: Fairfax County

Inception: 1934

Address: 1875 Old Reston Avenue

GPS coordinates: 38.95672,-77.35139

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:44