Longwood’s 1839 Collection bourbon is returning this fall with a striking new look, following back-to-back record-setting releases the previous two years.
The product of a partnership between Longwood and nearby Sandy River Distillery, the 1839 Collection (2026 Reserve) will go on sale later this month, just ahead of Longwood’s Homecoming & Alumni Weekend, Nov. 6–8.
This year’s limited-edition bottle features Longwood’s new Coat of Arms on a striking new label framed by a gold foil border—a distinctive new look for a bourbon that has quickly become a sought-after tradition among Longwood alumni and friends.
The release comes after the 2025 Reserve broke the Virginia record for the most bottles sold by a single distillery in one day—a record the 1839 Collection itself had set just one year earlier.
Approximately 1,000 bottles of the 2026 Reserve will be available for $69.99 each, with customers able to purchase up to two bottles.
David Hooper ’00, associate vice president for marketing and engagement
“Each year, we’ve tried to make the Reserve distinctive while keeping the tradition that our alumni have really embraced,” said David Hooper ’00, associate vice president for marketing and engagement. “Featuring the Coat of Arms on this year’s edition makes it especially meaningful. Paired with the gold foil, it’s a striking bottle and one we think alumni will be excited to add to their collection.”
Longwood’s Coat of Arms was officially granted this year by the College of Arms in London, making Longwood only the third institution in Virginia—after William & Mary and Hampden-Sydney College—to receive an official grant of arms.
And there will be something special to pair with this year’s Reserve. Rocks glasses featuring Longwood’s Coat of Arms will be available beginning Nov. 7 at Longwood’s Homecoming pregame tailgate, online and in the Longwood Bookstore, offering a fitting complement to the 2026 bottle.
Sandy River Distillery will sell the bourbon through its online store later this month. Purchasers can have bottles shipped or pick them up at the Homecoming & Alumni Weekend pregame tailgate on Nov. 7 or at Sandy River Distillery. For the first time, a limited number of bottles will also be available for shipping outside Virginia, making it possible for more Longwood alumni and friends across the country to take part in the tradition. Shipping availability varies by state.
The name 1839 Collection evokes Longwood’s history, dating to the university’s founding in 1839, and the special place these annual bottles have found on the shelves of Lancers. A new Reserve is released each fall.
Mark Smith, owner of Sandy River Distillery
“We’ve watched the excitement around the 1839 Collection grow every year,” said Mark Smith, owner of Sandy River Distillery. “What started as an idea between two local partners has turned into something Longwood alumni genuinely look forward to, and we’re proud to be part of that tradition. We’re especially excited for people to see this year’s bottle.”
Anyone interested in purchasing the limited 2026 Reserve can sign up at go.longwood.edu/1839collection to receive email and text alerts ahead of the sale and when it goes live. Previous subscribers remain on the notification list and do not need to sign up again.
Based on the record-setting response to the past two releases, bottles are expected to sell quickly.