History

  • 1885 Green River founded by J. W. McCulloch; 10th oldest registered distillery in Kentucky (DSP-KY-10).
  • 1901 Strikes Gold! Green River Whiskey wins several international prizes.
  • 1907 Creates a legacy: Green River became the most advertised whiskey in the world.
  • 1913 Official whiskey to the US Marine Hospital for 18 years due to quality.
  • 1915 The Whiskey Without Regrets, a bold campaign for premium quality.
  • 1917 20 barrels were traded for an interest in a Colorado gold mining project; described as the most valuable spirit ever sold.
  • 1918 A mysterious fire reduced the distillery to ashes and destroyed more than 40,000 barrels within three hours.
  • 1933 After Prohibition the distillery revived, and the brand shifted its slogan to The Whiskey Without Regrets.
  • 1955 The end of an era; 1956-1993 things went dark and the distillery changed hands.
  • 2014 Resembling a phoenix: the distillery begins rebuilding and preserves as much of the original facility as possible.
  • 2016 and beyond: Green River resumes production at the place where it all began 131 years ago.
  • 2022 Green River Distilling Co. launches Green River Bourbon to the world again; 2023 expands distribution to 25 states and launches Green River Wheated Bourbon and Green River Single Barrel. Today the house invites you to visit our sacred ground and experience one of the best distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
  • 2024 Rye added to the family along with Wheated and Single Barrel.

Production/Manufacturing

  • Crafted in Kentucky. Honored Nationwide. The Pride of Owensboro. Green River produces a regret-free bourbon, on the same hallowed ground as in 1885. Grain for local farms is used, distilled and aged on-site. Grain-to-Glass approach and an award-winning flavor.

Products / Whisky Series

  • Kentucky straight bourbon: 45% alc./vol. (90 proof). Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley. Tasting notes: warm spices, vanilla, caramel and chocolate-mint; finish with a spicy character.
  • Kentucky straight Rye: 47.5% alc./vol. (95 proof). Mash Bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley. Tasting notes: orange, fresh mint and black pepper; vanilla and graham cracker.
  • Kentucky wheated bourbon: 45% alc./vol. (90 proof). Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% wheat, 9% malted barley. Tasting notes: orange, apricot and cinnamon; honeyed mouthfeel and a honeyed finish.
  • Full Proof Bourbon: 58.65% alc./vol. (117.3 proof). Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley. Tasting notes: spice, vanilla, caramel and chocolate with cinnamon, dried cherries and light leather notes.
  • Single Barrel Bourbon: Proof varies by barrel. Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley. Tasting notes: orange, mint and black pepper; tea and oak finish.
  • Single Barrel Wheated: Proof varies by barrel. Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% wheat, 9% malted barley. Tasting notes: orange, apricot and cinnamon; honeyed mouthfeel and long finish.
  • 1885 Bourbon: 42.5% alc./vol. (85 proof). Mash Bill: 76% corn, 15% rye, 9% malted barley. Aged about 4 years. Tasting notes: almond and orange with caramel, vanilla, and a spicy finish.
  • Army 250th Anniversary: 55.55% alc./vol. (111.1 proof). Mash Bill: 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley. Tasting notes: full-bodied with caramel, black cherry, cocoa and peppermint; finish of toffee and toasted oak. Officially licensed use of US Army trademarks.
  • Rye Whiskey: 47.5% alc./vol. (95 proof). Mash Bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley. Tasting notes: orange zest, fresh mint and black pepper; vanilla and graham cracker.

Experiences / Visits

  • Green River Distillery – Owensboro: 10 Distillery Road, Owensboro, KY 42301. Tours: Wednesday–Saturday at 10, 12 and 2 PM; Sit & Sip: Wednesday–Friday at 11 and 1 PM; Barrel Thieving Tour: Wednesday–Thursday at 3 PM. Price: Distillery Tour $22 per person; Sit & Sip $14; Barrel Thieving $60. Gift shop and cocktail lounge: Wednesday–Saturday 9 AM–5 PM CST. Booking via Book Now.
  • Green River Tasting Room – Louisville: 714 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40204. Offers bourbon flights, VIP experiences and a retail shop.
  • Additional experiences: Custom Distilling via Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Brindiamo; Worldwide Producer of the Year 2023 (International Wine & Spirit Competition); laboratories and bottling capabilities; ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certifications.

Philosophy

  • The Whiskey Without Regrets – a bold and timeless bourbon with character, born in Owensboro and aged with pride.
  • Grain-to-Glass – the grain-to-glass approach ensures a holistic experience.
  • Award-Winning Taste – recognized by the industry for flavor and quality, not just prizes.
  • Without Regrets – a throughline in product development and communication.
  • Innovation and collaboration: contract distilling and bottling solutions through partnerships with Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Brindiamo; focus on customer needs and sustainability.

Last updated: 08-12-25 00:20