On the heels of its spectacular debut in 2023, Longwood’s 1839 Collection bourbon—the product of a partnership between the university and nearby Sandy River Distillery— became a record-setter last year, posting the largest single-day sale ever by a Virginia distiller.
Now Longwood and Sandy River are poised for the 2025 release of 1839 Collection and expect the single barrel bourbon aged and bottled in Prince Edward County to better last year’s performance of 750 bottles, which sold in just 44 minutes. It’s all happening in time for Longwood’s third annual Homecoming & Alumni Weekend celebration set for Nov. 14-16.
This year the distillery has again increased production to meet demand for this unique spirit, and, for the first time, will allow customers to purchase up to two bottles during the sale. Making the 2025 Reserve bottles of 1839 Collection even more desirable are this year’s distinctive metallic silver labels.
Longwood alumni have embraced the product, and we’re excited to be able to increase quantity for the third year of its launch.
Dave Hooper '00, associate vice president for marketing and engagement
“Sandy River has been an incredible partner, from the beginning of this idea to now,” said David Hooper ’00, associate vice president for marketing and engagement. “Longwood alumni have embraced the product, and we’re excited to be able to increase quantity for the third year of its launch. 1839 Collection has quickly become synonymous with Homecoming for a lot of our alumni as a way to show pride in our university. We also understand it’s become a popular and sought-after gift for graduates, which we didn’t expect when we launched. I think this will be a sought-after bottle for years to come.”
Sandy River Distillery will sell the bottles later this month through their online store. Purchasers will be able to pick up their bottles Nov. 15 at the Longwood Homecoming Family Tailgate or at the distillery anytime. Bottles also can be shipped within Virginia, but currently not outside the state.
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.
We couldn't be happier with the Longwood partnership. What started off as a small idea has grown more quickly than we anticipated, which has strengthened our community.
Mark Smith, owner of Sandy River Distillery
“We couldn’t be happier with the Longwood partnership,” said Mark Smith, owner of Sandy River Distillery. “What started off as a small idea has grown more quickly than we anticipated, which has strengthened our community. The Homecoming tailgate is one of the events we look forward to most each year—so many alumni come up to the tent and share with us how much they love 1839 Collection and look forward to the launch each year.”
Anyone who is interested in purchasing one of the limited 2025 Reserve bottles of 1839 Collection Single Barrel Bourbon can sign up at go.longwood.edu/1839collection to receive email and text alerts when the sale goes live. Sales are limited to two bottles per customer. Bottles are expected to sell out quickly, so make sure to be among the first to know when they are on sale.