Distillery: Bottled by Green River Distilling—Owensboro, KY for Row 96—Nashville, TN
Proof: 94.0 (47.0% ABV)
Age: four Years
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
MSRP: $50
A Lowkey Yet Stageworthy Bourbon
Dierks Bentley’s Row 94 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a rookie expression, but its roots do not reflect its rookie status. Distilled by Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, Row 94 comes to market through a Nashville-based team. At 94 proof, four years old, and priced around $50, this release lands in a sweet spot for the everyday-drinker category—but it brings a bit more to the table than most at that level.
In March 2025, Row 94 received a Gold Medal at the Denver International Spirits Competition, scoring 92 points in a field judged by industry professionals using a double-blind tasting process. The DISCompetition is a highly respected spirits competition that brings industry experts to evaluate craft and commercial spirits from around the world.
While the celebrity-brand category often leans on hype, Row 94 is grounded in quality. It’s made using a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley—a classic setup that’s proven itself worthy in other Green River offerings. The name “Row 94” gives a nod to the country music lifestyle, but the bourbon itself is more about an everyday lifestyle built on friends and shared experiences. It’s built for consistency and reliability.
New Release: Row 94 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4/5
The Nose delivers a straightforward welcome with notes of toasted corn and soft vanilla giving way to brown sugar and cinnamon stick. A touch of orange peel brightens the profile, while a char subtleness and smokey oak lingers. Despite its youth, there’s no overwhelming ethanol or sharpness to the Nose.
Palate – 4/5
The texture is one of the biggest surprises here. A lightly oily, rounded mouthfeel carries sweet notes of vanilla cream, cinnamon toast, and caramel through the first part of the sip. A light citrus note and graham cracker adds some interest.
Finish – 3.75/5
The Finish is medium in length, tapering off with dry oak, light clove, and a slight bitterness–think citrus zest. While it doesn’t linger long, the exit is smooth and leaves behind a gentle warmth and baking spice that’s easy to enjoy.
Value – 4.75/5
At $50, Row 94 holds its own as a smart value pour. While some may pause at the price for a four-year bourbon, the profile offers a satisfying experience. It’s versatile enough for sipping or handing to a friend who’s just getting into whiskey.
It may not bring new tricks to the bourbon world, but Row 94 is reminder that good whiskey doesn’t need gimmicks. Solid, consistent, and satisfying—this is a bottle you won’t regret.
New Release: Row 94 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review: The Verdict
Row 94 doesn’t seem to be crafted to chase spotlights or flashy awards—it’s designed to be poured…and shared. In that regard, it succeeds. The flavor is full without being aggressive, the proof is not overly pronounced, and the Finish is clean. It delivers on the promise of an accessible, everyday Kentucky straight bourbon.
It may not bring new tricks to the bourbon world, but Row 94 is a reminder that good whiskey doesn’t need gimmicks. Solid, consistent, and satisfying—this is a bottle you won’t regret.
Verdict – 4.1/5
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.
