Following a successful four-state launch in 2022, Green River Distilling Co — part of Bardstown Bourbon Company — will expand in 2023 with two new expressions and distribution into 21 new markets.
This month, Green River introduces Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, complementing their flagship high-rye bourbon, in 25 markets across the U.S.
Green River Wheated is comprised of 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% wheat and 9% 6-row barley.
“Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon leads with a beautiful peach and caramel aroma coupled with apricot and cinnamon,” says Dan Callaway, VP of New Product Development. “Bursting with flavor, on the palate you’ll find toffee, pastry and hazelnut that guide toward a honeyed finish that’s smooth and balanced.”
“In contrast with Green River Bourbon, which brings a hearty backbone of rye spice, the wheated expression lends itself to easy drinking while holding its own distinct character,” Callaway adds. “It’s a wonderful take on a classic Kentucky recipe and the perfect addition to the iconic Green River brand.”
Green River Wheated comes bottled at 90 proof. It’s line priced with Green River Bourbon at a suggested retail price of $34.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
“We’re energized by how the bourbon community has embraced Green River,” says Head Distiller Aaron Harris who joined Green River in Fall 2022. “Green River is a brand with a distinct and storied history, and we embrace it fully while remaining future-looking to create delicious new whiskies that delight bourbon enthusiasts and casual consumers across the U.S.”
Originally founded in 1885, Green River (DSP-KY-10) was the 10th distillery launched in Kentucky. Fire and prohibition relegated the brand to history before it was was reestablished in 2022.
The bourbon’s packaging — a horseshoe shaped bottle honoring the original labeling from 1885 — tells the story of the brand through glass, with 10 notches on the brand’s horseshoe referencing DSP-KY-10, a tax trip with the original tagline “The Whiskey Without Regrets,” and “The Pride of Owensboro” displayed, referencing the distillery’s hometown.
Today, this distillery has helped bring Owensboro’s bourbon heritage to life as the westernmost outpost of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. A gateway to east-bound visitors, it’s a short drive from St. Louis, Nashville and Evansville, Ind. The distillery welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors last year, the company says.
With expansion also comes the launch of Green River Full Proof Single Barrel, a single barrel expression of Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon, presented at 119 proof. A limited number of single barrels will be available annually for purchase by the barrel to select on- and off-premise retailers. Each retailer can select their single barrel onsite at the Green River Distillery in Owensboro, Ky.
Green River Full Proof Single Barrel has the suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
The distillery also runs a contract distillation business, producing, aging and bottling a number of other whiskies.
Green River Distilling Co. was purchased by Bardstown Bourbon Company in July 2022.
This follows the recent news of Bardstown Bourbon Company launching their Origin Series.
Can’t wait to get the new Green River in our store. The original has outdone itself. We buy so much of it
for us down here in Western KY.