The Longwood spirit is about to get tastier.
The university has partnered with nearby Sandy River Distillery to create a unique single barrel bourbon that will be available in time for Longwood’s first Homecoming and Alumni Weekend celebration Nov. 10-12.
1839 Collection is a single barrel bourbon aged and bottled in Prince Edward County, the home of the Lancers for nearly two centuries. This first year, fewer than 400 bottles are available for sale, making the 2023 Reserve an extremely limited edition bourbon.
We think this will be a sought-after bottle for years to come and another way for Longwood alumni, parents and friends to show their pride in our university.
David Hooper ’00, associate vice president for marketing and engagement Tweet This
“We are always looking for innovative ways of engaging with various audiences,” said David Hooper ’00, associate vice president for marketing and engagement. “The idea to partner with a local distillery to create a premier bourbon for the greater Longwood family took root very quickly, and was a project the team was very excited about from the start. We think this will be a sought-after bottle for years to come and another way for Longwood alumni, parents and friends to show their pride in our university.”
Sandy River Distillery will sell the bottles later this month through their online store. Purchasers will be able to pick up their bottles Nov. 11 on campus or at the distillery anytime. Bottles can also be shipped within Virginia, but currently not outside the state.
Longwood shares the same goals and was looking for a unique way to strengthen our community. I think this is going to be a popular bourbon among Lancers near and far.”
Mark Smith, Sandy River Distillery owner Tweet This
“This was a really natural partnership,” said Mark Smith, Sandy River Distillery owner. “We are a local, Prince Edward County business that is always looking for area partners to share our products and bring attention to this area. Longwood shares the same goals and was looking for a unique way to strengthen our community. I think this is going to be a popular bourbon among Lancers near and far.”
The name 1839 Collection evokes the history of Longwood, founded in 1839, and the special place these bottles will find on the shelves of Lancers across the country. Yearly reserves are planned to be released for sale each fall.
“A fine bourbon is meant to be shared with others,” said Hooper. “That’s what this fall’s Homecoming and Alumni Weekend is all about—shared experiences with friends old and new. Purchased bottles will be available for pickup at the pre-game tailgate event before the first basketball game in the Joan Perry Brock Center on Nov. 11.”
Anyone who is interested in purchasing one of the limited 2023 Reserve bottles of 1839 Collection Single Barrel Bourbon can sign up to receive an email alert when the sale goes live at go.longwood.edu/1839collection. Bottles are expected to sell out quickly, so make sure to be among the first to know when they are on sale.
The 1839 Collection label was designed by David Whaley.
Bourbon Bottling Process
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