Green River Straight Bourbon is crafted on the historic Green River campus in Owensboro, Kentucky. Over its storied past, numerous brands have been made there, including Ezra Brooks, Mellow Corn, Medley Brothers, Old Medley, Five Brothers, and Kentucky Beau. According to Green River, Terressentia Corporation purchased the distillery in 2014 and began renovation. In 2016, the distillery laid down their first barrels, and acting master distiller Ron Call passed the torch to his son, Jacob Call. In 2020, Green River Distilling Co. returned to its original name, and in 2022 was purchased by Bardstown Bourbon Company. ‍

‍‍Green River Full Proof is a blend of five-to-seven-year barrels selected from curated areas of Green River’s Owensboro tile warehouses. Green River Full Proof Bourbon will be an ongoing release, but batches will vary, which will be noted by the change in proof.

A classic fare of vanilla, caramel, and oak make up the foundation of the bourbon’s aroma. Though traditional and familiar, it’s very well done with ample intensity bringing forth a good deal of richness. Further enhancing the aroma are hits of dry leather and spicy cinnamon, accented by bourbon-soaked cherries. The aroma doesn’t break any new ground; instead, it focuses on getting the basics right in a very satisfying manner.

Much like its lower proof brethren, caramel dominates. While that might seem pedestrian for some brands, Green River revels in it. Notes of caramel cream candy and brown sugar add further layers of sweetness along with a beautifully thick and creamy mouthfeel. The flavor and consistency you get from eating a caramel cream candy is amazingly transferred to this bourbon’s palate, making it a delectable tasting experience. Beyond this, the palate is on the simple side, with minor dark fruit notes, honey, and barrel char making up much of the backend. But thanks to how the sip starts, that won’t matter, because this palate is simply too good to miss.

The palate’s dark fruits and barrel char get ramped up during the finish, creating an enjoyable and potent conclusion to the sip. Layers of oak are found throughout and quickly ramp up. Rye spice and heat amplify as the whiskey concludes, leaving the drinker with something to remember it by. Overall, a very satisfying conclusion to this flavorful sip.

Green River’s bourbon flavor profile doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel - and sometimes that’s a good thing. With so many companies chasing the next flavor gimmick, it can be refreshing in its own sense to be presented with a new release that is centered on a classic bourbon flavor profile. What’s even better is when a brand can take this tried and true flavor profile and elevate it based solely on its overall quality. Green River Full Proof Bourbon isn’t going to stand out for any one unique aspect, but it's the combined elements of price, quality, balance, and viscosity that will make you remember it.

Green River continues to be a champion in the value-based whiskey business. Their Green River Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye continue to be some of the best values in whiskey. Given their price, quality, and approachability, they make some of the best whiskeys you can introduce a newcomer to. Yet, because of the quality they offer, they remain just a good value for even the most hardened and experienced whiskey enthusiasts.

Green River Full Proof Bourbon continues this trend, offering a barrel strength bourbon at an amazing $50 price tag. Brands that source, such as Penelope Bourbon’s Barrel Strength Bourbon at $65+, and Bulleit Bourbon’s Barrel Strength around $60, don't offer an ongoing barrel strength release. Wilderness Trail’s standard bourbon, which is made in-house, is only offered at 100 proof for $65. Even Green River’s parent company, Bardstown Bourbon Company doesn’t offer an ongoing barrel strength release, instead producing a Bottled in Bond Bourbon for $50. It’s become exceedingly rare to find in-house distilled barrel strength bourbon at $50, and if you do, even harder to match Green River Full Proof Bourbon’s quality pound for pound.

Green River Distilling Co. has already proven how apt they are at producing approachable smooth-tasting bourbon, especially when it comes to their Green River Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye. The question remained, though, whether upping the proof would change their bourbon for better or worse. Increasing the proof doesn’t mean everything you love about a lower proof bourbon will automatically translate and enhance at a higher proof. Green River Full Proof Bourbon manages the delicate work of taking what was great about their standard 90 proof bourbon and using the increased proof to strengthen all of its best aspects. Green River Full Proof Bourbon isn’t close to being the most complex barrel strength bourbon you’ll taste, but it makes up for it with a beautifully creamy sip, approachability, and amazing value.