Distillery: Green River Distillery—Owensboro, Kentucky
Proof: 113.6 (59.3% ABV)
Age: 5+ Years
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 21% Wheat, 9% Malted Barley
MSRP: $60
Green River Adds a Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon: Who They Are
With a new release (February 2025) single barrel offering of their Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon, Green River Distilling Co., known for its commitment to quality and time-tested recipes, is kicking it up a notch. Ranging from 110 to 130 proof and aged for a minimum of five years, this cask strength single barrel wheated bourbon is a limited release.
Limited Release
This 2025 release consists of just 100 barrels, available exclusively through a retailer barrel pick program. Select retailers will have the opportunity to hand-select their unique barrel at the historic Green River Distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky.
A limited number of bottles will be available at Green River’s distillery gift shop in Owensboro and select Bardstown Bourbon Company locations.
Continuing the Legacy
Green River’s legacy in Kentucky bourbon dates back to 1885. Operating from their historic grounds in Owensboro, the distillery continues to honor their heritage while expanding their portfolio of products. This wheated bourbon joins a growing line of premium offerings.
Previous Green River reviews: Green River Full Proof Bourbon
Green River Kentucky Straight Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4/5
Opens with notes of ripe cherries and dates followed by notes of warm cinnamon buns, oak, and vanilla cream. The high proof amplifies the sweet and spice aromas without overwhelming, serving to build anticipation of what’s to come in the rest of the tasting experience.
Palate – 4.25/5
A full-bodied mouthfeel introduces a rush of caramelized sugar, baking spice, and toasted oak. The wheat influence shines through with a distinct buttery smoothness that balances out the higher proof. Mid-palate reveals a pleasant peppery heat, while notes of dark honey and sweet cream round out the experience.
Finish – 4/5
Long and warming, the Finish showcases lingering oak, cinnamon, and vanilla notes. As those fade, gentle notes of toffee and toasted nuts emerge. The higher proof carries the finish well while the wheat mashbill ensures it stays approachable and not overly aggressive.
Value – 4.5/5
Green River Wheated Single Barrel is a limited release, making availability a challenge. However, the challenge presents an opportunity to pick up a truly unique bottle as each retailer will hand-select their barrels. At a $60 MSRP, this represents exceptional value in a market crowded with mid-shelf expressions. Let’s hope the retailers take seriously the recommended pricing level.
Green River Kentucky Straight Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon: The Verdict
Green River Wheated Single Barrel is an excellent addition to the brand’s growing legacy. It delivers the proof intensity expected from a single barrel cask strength release while retaining the signature softness of a well-crafted wheated bourbon. With only 100 barrels available, this is a bottle to watch for in 2025!
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Verdict – 4.5/5
Insiders, please pay attention to this don’t miss bottle!
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.