John J. Bowman Limited Edition Green Label Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
100 proof (50% ABV) | 750mL | Minimum 9 years in new charred oak | Single barrel, limited edition — John J. Bowman's Green Label is the flagship single-barrel expression from A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, Virginia: hand-selected from "some of the oldest barrels in the warehouse," this bourbon is named for John J. Bowman — the Virginia/Kentucky pioneer who explored the frontier in 1775, presided over one of the earliest Kentucky county courts, and served as the first military commander and governor of Kentucky County.
The Green Label is a regularly-produced, allocated limited expression — each barrel is an individual release, so no two bottles are identical. At a full 100 proof, the official profile runs deep: a fragrant nose of toffee, leather, figs, and almonds over a long, dry finish. Named World's Best Bourbon (Whisky Magazine, 2017), with 94 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021, Double Gold at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and a 94 in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible — a Virginia bourbon that beat the Kentucky establishment at its own game. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Tasting notes
Per distillery copy: fragrant nose of toffee, leather, figs, and almonds; a full, deep palate; and a long, dry finish. The single-barrel format means each barrel leans into the profile a little differently — seek out your favorite.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 100 proof — bottled at a strength that shows the whiskey's full character
- Single barrel — hand-selected from the distillery's oldest warehouse stock
- Named World's Best Bourbon 2017 (Whisky Magazine); 94 pts, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021
- A. Smith Bowman — Fredericksburg, Virginia's historic distillery
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a Glencairn to appreciate the single-barrel character, or over a large cube to soften the 100-proof heat. Virginia bourbon this decorated deserves a proper glass.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Green Label" mean?
It's the flagship limited-edition single-barrel expression in the John J. Bowman line — distinguishing it from other Bowman single-barrel releases like Pioneer Spirit. Each barrel is individually bottled.
How old is the whiskey inside?
Minimum 9 years in new charred oak, per the distillery's boilerplate. (A few third-party sources say 10 years — the distillery's figure is the authoritative one; Del Mesa's bottle label should confirm.)
Where is it made?
A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Fredericksburg, Virginia — one of Virginia's oldest distilleries.