Get An Inside Look At The Whiskey World's Most Coveted Single Barrel Program

TSR officially welcomed A. Smith Bowman Distillery into the Sazerac Barrel Select program this week. In early June, SBS invited the TSR team (Jess Ann Zimlich, Pierre Auguste and OJ Lima) to videotape their process of selecting a single barrel of John J. Bowman bourbon. This was TSR's second time working with Master distiller David Bock at the Fredericksburg, Virginia distillery.

"Being asked to make media for the world's most famous bourbon company isn't an everyday request," says TSR Founder OJ Lima. "We recognize how special it is that Sazerac wants to showcase our business, and trusts our expertise to launch a brand into its single barrel program. Besides, it's always a delight to collaborate with David [Bock] and the team at Bowman."

SBS premiered the documentary short on July 17, through its newsletter and during the drawing of its summer barrel lottery; which also highlighted Bock and Lima.

Taste Select Repeat Returns To A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman Distillery is a TSR favorite thanks to its proximity to TSR's homebase in Washington, DC. Both selections were done with David Bock, who took over for Brian Prewitt in 2022.

This was TSR's second barrel pick with the distillery, following "The Miracle," a John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon released in December 2022. Check the Upcoming Releases calendar for the drop date of this Bowman barrel pick.

What Is The Sazerac Barrel Select Program?

Last year, Sazerac rebranded its single barrel program as Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS), enhancing the experience with increased barrel supply, broader brand selection, improved transparency, more drawing opportunities, and a better user experience. The program, which allows enthusiasts to select their own barrels, now includes a wider array of spirits, including selections from Buffalo Trace Distillery, such as Blanton's, Eagle Rare, and W.L. Weller. The revamped program features a new points system for better access to barrel drawings, a redesigned website, and multiple opportunities to earn and track points.