Green River Bourbon Whiskey
Green River Bourbon is the flagship Kentucky straight bourbon from the revived Green River Distilling Co. — 90 proof (45% ABV), aged more than five years in Owensboro, Kentucky, and built on a high-rye mash bill of 70% corn, 21% winter rye, and 9% malted barley. It reintroduces an 1885 brand once known as "The Whiskey Without A Headache" in 750mL. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof) — 750mL, bottled without chill filtration per importer
- Age: 5+ years in new charred American oak
- Mash bill: 70% corn / 21% winter rye / 9% malted barley (all Kentucky-grown corn, most from Daviess County)
- Origin: Green River Distilling Co., Owensboro, Kentucky — DSP-KY-10
- Heritage: brand founded 1885 by John W. McCulloch; revived 2022, now under Bardstown Bourbon Company
An 1885 Original, Reborn
Green River was once one of the most widely advertised whiskies in America, even serving as the official whiskey of the U.S. Marine Hospital for nearly two decades. After a fire and Prohibition ended the original run, the distillery reclaimed its name and DSP-KY-10 designation in 2020, relaunching the bourbon in 2022 from the same Owensboro grounds. The high-rye recipe leans spicy where the wheated sibling leans soft — cinnamon, dried cherry, and light leather on the nose. See the full Green River range or browse bourbon.
Tasting Notes
Warming spice on the nose — cinnamon, dried cherry, light leather — with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, and chocolate mint on the palate; a rich, thick, lingering finish with citrus peel and brown sugar rounding it out.
How to Enjoy
The high rye content makes it a natural for Manhattan and Old Fashioned duty; neat, it shows best after a few minutes in the glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from Green River Wheated?
The flagship uses a rye mash bill (70/21/9 corn/rye/barley) for warming spice; the wheated version swaps rye for wheat for a softer, sweeter profile.
Is this a new distillery?
The brand was founded in 1885, went dormant through Prohibition, and was revived on the original Owensboro campus in 2022 — DSP-KY-10, the 10th-oldest Kentucky distillery license.
What does "The Whiskey Without A Headache" mean?
It was Green River's pre-Prohibition slogan, later softened to "The Whiskey Without Regrets."
The 1885 comeback — order Green River Bourbon online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.