Distillery: Green River Distilling Company – Owensboro, Kentucky
Proof: 117.3 (58.65% ABV)
Age: Blend of 5 – 7 years
Mashbill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
MSRP: $51
Website: https://greenriverwhiskey.com/
Who They Are
Green River Distilling Company, located in Owensboro, Kentucky, is one of the oldest registered distilleries in the state of Kentucky. Originally founded in 1885, the distillery produced world- renowned whiskey before a fire coupled with Prohibition halted operations. The distillery was revived in 2014 and produces on the same grounds as before Prohibition.
In 2022, Bardstown Bourbon Company acquired the distillery, further enhancing its production capabilities and market reach.
The distillery’s history includes notable brands, including Ezra Brooks, Mellow Corn, Medley Brothers, Old Medley, Five Brothers, and Kentucky Beau. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the distillery was known for its marketing prowess, with catchy slogans like “The Whiskey Without a Headache” and “The Whiskey Without Regret.” These slogans, along with the distillery’s high-quality products, helped Green River gain international recognition, including awards at the Paris Exposition in 1900 and the Liege Exposition in 1905
Green River Full Proof Bourbon is a blend of five-to-seven-year barrels selected from curated areas of the distillery’s warehouses. The distillery aims for a bourbon that is both classic and innovative.
If you give Green River Full Proof a try, have questions or want to suggest an expression for a future review, please drop me a note. I would love to hear from you.
mike@bourboninspector.com
Green River Full Proof Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4/5
The Nose is a classic with intense notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, creating a rich and inviting aroma. A fruity note of cherries brightens the profile. Throw in some subtle hints of dark chocolate and toasted nuts. The Nose certainly set high expectations for the pour.
Palate – 4/5
On the Palate, this is a highly satisfying experience. Caramel dominates the initial sip, reminiscent of a classic butter caramel candy. A beautifully thick and creamy mouthfeel with layers of sweetness. Minor notes of some honey and barrel char. The higher proof amplifies the flavors and makes for a bold and intense sip.
Finish – 3.5/5
The barrel char and fruit notes on the Palate ramp up during the finish, creating an enjoyable and potent conclusion to the sip. Layers of oak are throughout, providing a grounding, earthy quality. Rye spice rounds out the Finish, leaving a warm and satisfying aftertaste.
Value – 4.5/5
At $50, this expression offers a significant value. Its robust and complex flavor profile makes it a worthwhile purchase.
Green River Full Proof Bourbon: The Verdict
Verdict – 4/5
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
