US distillery captures build of new still on video

The A. Smith Bowman distillery has released a unique video capturing the build of its brand new 500-gallon still called George.

A. Smith Bowman’s newest still, George, will be largely used for experimentation

The Virginia distillery welcomed the still – named after the father of company founders the Bowman brothers, and also known as still number 1965 – into its new home on 20 January.

Installed next to existing whiskey still Mary, named after George’s wife and mother to the Bowman brothers, the new 24-foot still has specific features chosen by master distiller Brian Prewitt to allow him to create unique new expressions.

Prewitt said: “We want to have the capability to try anything and everything, and with George, we should be able to do just that.”

Built in the Vendome Copper and Brass Works in Louisville, Kentucky, the 1,700-pound hybrid pot still features a reflux onion, optional gin basket, and attached columns with bubble cap trays.

These new elements give Prewitt the freedom to create a variety of flavor profiles and spirits including vodka, whiskey and gin.

Prewitt was appointed by Sazerac in September 2013, following the passing of former master distiller Truman Cox, and continues to make the popular hand-crafted spirits the company is renowned for.

Prewitt added: “We’re excited to do some experimenting, try new things and continue to make great spirits here at A. Smith Bowman Distillery.”

Although George is now fully assembled, final connections are still required before he can begin his first distillation run which is expected to take place in March.

See George being built in the video below: