Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Short History
The revival of the Green River Distilling Co. reached a new milestone in February 2024 with the launch of its Straight Rye. While many modern rye whiskeys are sourced from large Midwest factories, Green River’s Rye is proudly distilled, aged, and bottled at DSP-KY-10 in Owensboro, Kentucky. It honors the 1885 legacy of founder J.W. McCulloch, who marketed his spirits as "The Whiskey Without Regrets." This rye joins the flagship bourbon and wheated expressions to complete the core trilogy of this historic distillery’s comeback.
Key Features
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Classic 95/5 Mash Bill: Crafted from a traditional recipe of 95% Rye and 5% Malted Barley, providing the bold, spicy character rye lovers crave.
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100% Kentucky Heritage: Unlike many competitors using this mash bill, Green River’s expression is entirely "Kentucky Born and Raised."
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Aged to Maturity: A careful blend of barrels aged between 4 and 6 years in Green River’s historic wooden rickhouses.
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Perfectly Proofed: Bottled at 95 Proof (47.5% ABV), offering a balance that allows the delicate herbal notes to shine without being overpowered by heat.
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Iconic Packaging: Presented in the signature horseshoe bottle with 10 notches on the base—a tribute to being Kentucky’s 10th licensed distillery.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Rich auburn with polished mahogany highlights.
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Nose: An inviting bouquet of fresh spearmint, green apple, and orange zest, underscored by sweet vanilla and a hint of graham cracker.
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Palate: Surprisingly creamy for a high-rye spirit. Leads with orange peel and bright citrus, transitioning into herbal tea, white pepper, and a unique "pink bubblegum" sweetness.
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Finish: A lingering, warm finish featuring baking spices, cedar, and a soft touch of oak that rounds out the spice.
Awards & Acclaim
Since its recent debut, the Green River Rye has been hailed as one of the best value-for-money ryes on the market:
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91 Point Rating – Enthusiast Reviews (2024)
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Gold Medal – World Whiskies Awards (2024)
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Highly Recommended – "A must-buy for under $40" (Breaking Bourbon, 2024)
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Top Tier Value: Noted by critics for having a superior mouthfeel and complexity compared to other "everyday" ryes.
Overall Expression
Green River Kentucky Straight Rye is an "everyday luxury." It takes a high-intensity 95% rye mash bill and softens it with Kentucky’s unique climate and water, resulting in a spirit that is spicy yet remarkably approachable. It is "unusually soft and mellow" on the nose but delivers a bright, peppery punch on the palate. Whether you are building a world-class Manhattan or Sazerac, or simply enjoying it neat, this rye proves that Green River is a powerhouse in more than just bourbon.