Green River Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Short History
The story of Green River is one of resilience and a triumphant return to form. Founded in 1885 by J.W. McCulloch, the Green River Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-10) was once the "Whiskey Without Regrets," setting the standard for Kentucky spirits before being silenced by Prohibition and a devastating fire. In 2024, now under the stewardship of Bardstown Bourbon Company, the distillery introduced the Full Proof expression. This release was designed to showcase the pure, undiluted power of their Owensboro-distilled spirit, proving that the heritage of "The Pride of Owensboro" can stand up to the highest proof demands of modern enthusiasts.
Key Features
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Barrel Strength Intensity: Bottled at a robust 117.3 Proof (58.65% ABV), allowing the consumer to experience the bourbon exactly as it came out of the barrel.
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Signature High-Rye Mash Bill: A classic recipe of 70% Kentucky corn, 21% winter rye, and 9% malted barley.
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Warehouse Maturation: Blended from a small batch of barrels aged 5 to 7 years in Green River’s unique tile rickhouses, which provide a distinct aging environment that enhances rich wood sugars.
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Non-Chill Filtered: By skipping the filtration process, this bourbon retains all its natural oils and esters, resulting in a thick, buttery mouthfeel.
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Unbeatable Value: Widely regarded by critics as one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" high-proof bourbons on the market today.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Dark mahogany and deep amber with heavy, oily legs.
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Nose: A powerful aromatic burst of toasted oak, vanilla bean, and dark dried cherries, underpinned by a cooling hint of peppermint and leather.
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Palate: Rich and viscous. Initial notes of creamy caramel and butterscotch are followed by a mid-palate of chocolate-coated peppermints and warming cinnamon spice.
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Finish: Long, spicy, and satisfying. The high rye content shines through with a "Kentucky Hug" of black pepper and cloves, balanced by a lingering sweetness of maple and vanilla.
Awards
Since its debut, the Full Proof expression has become a centerpiece of the Green River trophy cabinet:
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Small Batch Bourbon of the Year – Bartender Spirits Awards (2025)
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Double Gold Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2024)
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Platinum Medal – LA Spirits Awards (2025)
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Top 100 American Whiskeys – Multiple enthusiast rankings (2024 & 2025)
Overall Expression
Green River Full Proof is the ultimate expression of the distillery’s high-rye DNA. It takes the classic flavors of the flagship bottle—vanilla, caramel, and mint—and cranks the volume to ten. It is a "serious" bourbon that doesn't hide behind sweetness; instead, it offers a complex, savory, and spicy journey that thrives when sipped neat but has enough muscle to dominate any premium cocktail. For those who seek a bold, unfiltered Kentucky experience without the "limited release" price tag, this is a shelf staple.
