Distillery: Bottled by Green River Distilling—Owensboro, KY
Proof: 111.1 (55.55% ABV)
Age: Blend of Four – Seven Years
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 15% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
MSRP: $50
A Flavorful Salute to the Army’s 250th Anniversary
In this commemorative expression, Green River Distilling Co. honors the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with a bold, small-batch bourbon bottled at 111.1 proof. Crafted from a mash bill of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley, it features a lower rye content than Green River’s typical bourbon recipe—introducing a more corn-forward profile. The whiskey blends barrels aged between four and seven years, offering a balance of youthful energy and seasoned maturity.
Unveiled on June 14, 2025—coinciding with both Flag Day and the Army’s official birthday—the release was launched with fitting ceremony: a veteran skydiving team parachuted the inaugural bottle into the hands of soldiers at Fort Knox. The moment symbolized genuine tribute.
This limited edition isn’t just for show. A portion of licensing proceeds directly supports U.S. Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. The expression is one of several officially sanctioned Army 250th Anniversary products, allowing civilians and veterans alike to toast a legacy of service, innovation, and resilience.
Green River Bourbon—Army 250th Anniversary Special Release Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.2/5
Notes of caramel, buttered cornbread, and vanilla—the prototypical aromas found in a good Kentucky bourbon are initially present. The Nose leans relatively soft for the proof—less aroma than expected—but nevertheless a well-balanced.
Palate – 4.2/5
On the Palate, vanilla, toffee, and cornmeal are the lead-off notes, along with toasted oak and baking spices. Mouthfeel is slightly oily. Some enthusiasts may think it leans a little too far into sweetness as it’s not as punchy or edgy as some of Green Rivers’ higher rye bourbons.
Finish – 4.1/5
Sweet oak, light tobacco, and brown sugar linger across a medium-length Finish. The proof doesn’t dominate as the Finish tapers rather than builds. The lower rye is most noticeable on the Finish.
Value – 4.4/5
At $50, this release offers a higher-proof bourbon with unique commemorative appeal and a meaningful cause. It delivers a better-than-expected experience for the price. While the whiskey drinks well above its price point, it doesn’t quite reach the level of some ultra-aged or single barrel alternatives in the same proof range.
Green River Bourbon—Army 250th Anniversary Special Release Review: The Verdict
For those who appreciate Green River’s work, this is a good pick up. And for those looking for a whiskey to share on meaningful occasions—or to appreciate and toast a Veteran—it’s a well-crafted tribute that delivers both flavor and feeling.
Verdict – 4.2/5
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.
