Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

"...Green River Straight Bourbon nails it out of the gate..." - breakingbourbon.com

Crafted on the historic Green River campus in Owensboro, Kentucky, Green River is an industrial distillery with roots back to 1885 when J.W. McCulloch first marketed his product as “The Whiskey Without A Headache”. The slogan later changed to “The Whiskey Without Regrets,” in order to avoid liability for misleading medical claims. Over that time, numerous brands have been made there including Ezra Brooks, Mellow Corn, Medley Brothers, Old Medley, Five Brothers and Kentucky Beau. The distillery has also had several different owners and names. Most recently, Terressentia Corporation purchased the plant in 2014 and began renovations. In 2016, acting Master Distiller, Ron Call passed the torch to his son, Jacob, and in 2020, the distillery reclaimed its original title and Distilled Spirits Plant number (DSP-KY 10). Thus, the Green River brand which had largely faded from memory was reborn exactly where it originated. The product launch made an impact in the value Bourbon segment - so much so that Bardstown Bourbon bought the company the following Summer. The eponymous whiskey is distilled from a mash bill of 70% Corn, 21% Winter Rye, 9% Malted 2 and 6 Row Barley, then aged for over five years. Our tasting found an initially rye-accented whiskey where the dry, nutty and spicy character of the grain dominates before opening to a sweeter side. The delivery takes place in a delicious chocolatey setting, followed by a peachiness on the palate, refreshed by muddled mint. The overall style and high rye content makes this a little bit like Sazerac, but with a notable step up in body, intensity and definition. Besides pulling up slightly short, there's very little to dislike about this affable Kentuckian. Bottled at 90 proof (45%) without chill filtration.

Other reviews... salivating to puckering grain make for a dramatic entry with a sugar-candy fruitiness making up the midground. Barley sugar and heather honey sit well with the lemon blossom honey; slightly tart and would be short were it not for a metallic uplift. Tangy, even when some vanilla makes up ground; a thoroughly enjoyable character Bourbon with many contrasting features. 89.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023

...Aromas of vanilla, Tootsie Roll, caramel, and cinnamon meet more fruity, acidic scents of lime, lemon, and pineapple on the nose, with a sweeter note of fresh melon. Lots of chocolate and pistachio nuttiness on the palate; it's also spicy and offers notes of bitter espresso and pepper spice. The finish is also very chocolaty and has a pleasant tartness. Well-executed flavors, though a bit short at the end. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com

...Green River Straight Bourbon nails it out of the gate with their 5 year old stock. What makes it work is that it’s an incredibly easy sipping bourbon thanks to an agreeable flavor profile. Despite being only 90 proof, it still packs ample intensity and a pop of heat. It’s not overly complex and the finish is on the shorter side, yet it only takes one sip to know this bourbon works. If you’re looking for very drinkable bourbon at a very reasonable price, Green River Straight Bourbon is a fantastic place to start. - breakingbourbon.com