Bourbon, America’s native spirit, has seen a renaissance in recent years, with new distilleries popping up and old names being resurrected. Among these is Green River Distilling Co., a Kentucky outfit with a storied past and a promising present. Its flagship offering, Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, has garnered attention for its approachable profile, affordable price, and the intriguing narrative of a distillery reborn. In this review, we’ll explore the history of Green River, the making of its bourbon, a detailed tasting analysis based on available insights, and where it stands in the crowded bourbon landscape as of March 5, 2025.
A Brief History of Green River Distilling Co.
To understand Green River Bourbon, we must first step back into its historical roots. Founded in 1885 by J.W. McCulloch in Owensboro, Kentucky, Green River Distilling Co. carries one of the oldest Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) numbers in the state: DSP-KY-10. McCulloch’s whiskey gained fame early on, even earning the distinction of being the official medicinal whiskey for the U.S. Marine Hospital—a testament to the era’s belief in whiskey’s curative properties. The distillery’s early slogan, “The Whiskey Without a Headache,” hinted at a smoother, more refined product than some of its rough-and-tumble contemporaries.
Over the decades, the distillery changed hands multiple times, enduring Prohibition, fires, and economic shifts. By the mid-20th century, it operated under names like Medley Distillery, producing brands such as Ezra Brooks and Mellow Corn. Fast forward to 2014, when Terressentia Corporation acquired the facility, renaming it O.Z. Tyler Distillery.
Initially, O.Z. Tyler experimented with a controversial rapid-aging process called TerrePURE, which used sonic waves to hasten maturation. The results were widely panned—think liquid dough or unripe grain spirit—and threatened to sink the distillery’s reputation.
Fortunately, traditional distillation continued alongside these experiments. In 2016, under the guidance of master distiller Ron Call and his son Jacob, the distillery began laying down barrels the old-fashioned way. By 2020, it reclaimed its original name, Green River Distilling Co., signaling a return to its heritage. The final twist came in 2022 when Bardstown Bourbon Company, a rising star in Kentucky’s whiskey scene, purchased Green River, bringing additional resources and expertise to the operation. Today, Green River stands as a blend of legacy and modernity, producing a range of whiskeys including its flagship bourbon, wheated bourbon, rye, and full-proof expressions.
The Making of Green River Bourbon
Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is crafted with a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley—a high-rye recipe that promises a balance of sweetness and spice. While no formal age statement graces the bottle, press materials suggest it’s aged “more than 5 years,” placing it comfortably above the minimum for a straight bourbon (two years) and aligning with the distillery’s first barrels laid down in 2016. The spirit is distilled to 138 proof, enters the barrel at 120 proof, and is bottled at a modest 90 proof (45% ABV), making it approachable yet robust.
The bourbon matures in Green River’s tile warehouses in Owensboro, a unique feature that sets it apart from the wooden rickhouses common in Kentucky. Tile construction offers a more stable temperature, potentially leading to a gentler aging process with less aggressive oak influence. The barrels themselves are charred American oak, standard for bourbon, imparting the familiar vanilla, caramel, and woody notes we’ll explore in the tasting.
Under Bardstown Bourbon Company’s ownership, Green River benefits from a modernized facility and a team led by current master distiller Aaron Harris (Jacob Call departed in 2022 after the acquisition). Local corn from the Owensboro area ties the bourbon to its terroir, while the high-rye mash bill and traditional pot-and-column still distillation nod to Kentucky’s whiskey-making heritage. Priced at an MSRP of $34.99 for a 750ml bottle, it’s positioned as an everyday sipper—a bourbon that doesn’t demand a special occasion or a hefty investment.
Tasting Notes: Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Since I can’t pour a dram myself, I’ve pieced together a tasting profile based on reviews from reputable sources like Bourbon & Banter, Breaking Bourbon, and Whiskey Shelf, supplemented by my understanding of how a 70/21/9 mash bill at 90 proof might express itself. Imagine we’re sitting by a fire, nosing and sipping this bourbon together—here’s what we might find.
Appearance: In the glass, Green River Bourbon likely presents a medium-pale golden orange hue, reflecting its five-plus years in oak. It’s not the deep amber of a decade-old whiskey, but it’s rich enough to suggest a solid maturation.
Swirling it reveals a moderate viscosity, with legs that slide down the glass at a leisurely pace—neither thin nor syrupy.
Nose: The aroma opens with a welcoming sweetness, driven by the 70% corn. Expect notes of honey, light caramel, and a touch of corn syrup, hallmarks of a youthful bourbon. The 21% rye steps in with warming spices—cinnamon, a hint of mint, and perhaps a whisper of black pepper—adding complexity without overwhelming the softer grains.
There’s a fruity undercurrent too, with reviewers noting pear, orange peel, and candied cherry, possibly from the malted barley or the barrel’s influence. Oak is present but restrained, offering a faint roasted quality rather than heavy tannins. The 90 proof keeps alcohol burn minimal, making this a pleasant nose to linger over.
Palate: On the tongue, Green River Bourbon delivers a silky, medium-bodied sip. The corn shines through with vanilla and caramel cream candy, coating the mouth with a luscious sweetness. The rye asserts itself mid-palate, bringing spicy notes of cinnamon and a subtle leather dryness that balances the sugar. Reviewers highlight a candied fruit brightness—think bourbon-soaked cherries or a touch of peach—adding a playful twist to the classic profile. Oak emerges as a supporting player, with light tannins and a mineral limestone note, likely from Owensboro’s water source. The mouthfeel is smooth and approachable, lacking the heat of higher-proof bourbons but offering enough depth to satisfy.
Finish: The finish is medium-length, fading gently rather than lingering bold. Baking spices like cinnamon and a mild black pepper warmth take the lead, accompanied by a lingering sweetness of honey and caramel. Some tasters note a soft herbal or floral edge—mint or hay—unique for a rye-based bourbon. There’s a slight dryness from the oak, but it’s not tannic or bitter, ensuring the finish remains pleasant. At 90 proof, it doesn’t overstay its welcome, inviting another sip soon after.
Impressions and Comparisons
Green River Bourbon doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel, and that’s its strength. It’s a straightforward, well-executed bourbon that prioritizes drinkability over complexity. The high-rye mash bill gives it a spicy edge that sets it apart from sweeter, corn-heavy bourbons like Evan Williams Black Label ($15, 86 proof) or richer options like Elijah Craig Small Batch ($34, 94 proof). Compared to peers in the $35-$40 range—say, Four Roses Small Batch (90 proof) or Knob Creek 9 Year (100 proof)—it’s lighter and less intense, lacking the layered depth of longer-aged whiskeys. Yet, its smoothness and value make it a contender for an everyday pour.
Against Green River’s own lineup, the flagship bourbon contrasts with the Full Proof expression (117.3 proof, $49.99), which amplifies the flavors with a creamier, spicier profile, and the Wheated Bourbon (90 proof, $35), which swaps rye for wheat to emphasize softness over spice. The flagship strikes a middle ground, blending accessibility with enough character to stand alone or shine in a cocktail like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
The Verdict: Who’s It For?
Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey earns high marks for what it sets out to be: an affordable, approachable sipper with a nod to its historic roots. It’s not the most complex or memorable bourbon on the shelf—seasoned enthusiasts might find it too tame next to barrel-proof heavyweights like Stagg or Booker’s. But for casual drinkers, newcomers to bourbon, or those seeking a reliable daily dram, it hits the mark. At $34.99, it’s a steal, offering quality that punches above its price point in a market where $50 is increasingly the norm for anything decent.
The distillery’s revival under Bardstown Bourbon Company adds a layer of optimism. With access to more barrels, expertise, and distribution (now in 25 states as of 2023), Green River is poised to grow. Future batches might refine consistency or push boundaries with age or proof, but this debut release lays a solid foundation. It’s a bourbon that respects tradition while embracing the present—a fitting tribute to a name that’s weathered over a century of change.
Final Thoughts
As of March 5, 2025, Green River Bourbon stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. It’s not a unicorn bottle to chase or a collector’s prize to hoard; it’s a working-class whiskey, meant to be opened, shared, and enjoyed. Pour it neat to appreciate its balance, mix it into a cocktail for versatility, or sip it on the porch as the sun sets—however you take it, Green River delivers without pretense. In a bourbon world often obsessed with rarity and hype, there’s something refreshing about a spirit that just wants to be drunk.
Would I buy a bottle? Based on this review, yes—for the price, the story, and the promise of a pleasant pour. Green River Bourbon isn’t here to change the game; it’s here to play it well. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
