Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Age: 4-6 years
Proof: 95 (47.5% ABV)
Region: Owensboro, Kentucky
Green River is a name that’s been around in whiskey for quite some time. Originally founded in 1885, the distillery is the tenth oldest in Kentucky. The brand has changed hands quite a few times in the intervening decades. Resurrected in 2015, the brand successfully launched their first bourbon in 2022 followed up by their wheated recipe in 2023. 2024 continues the trend with the brand’s first straight rye whiskey with a familiar mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. How does Green River’s new rye compare to the rest of their lineup and other similarly priced rye whiskeys on the market? Find out below.
Tasting notes
On the nose, Green River rye presents aromas of shortbread cookies, caramelized sugar with a familiar rye spice and a slight herbal note. There’s also a hint of cherry and milk chocolate. On the palate, there’s a burst of clove and nutmeg up front followed by red apple, vanilla, and a hint of mint. For a 95 proof whiskey, the mouthfeel is surprisingly full bodied. The finish is similarly rich and lasts quite a while with a defined spicy rye character backed up with maple syrup.
Final thoughts
As the cost of bottles continues to rise and old favorites become harder to find, whiskey enthusiasts are starting to look for value. Instead of searching for rare “unicorn” bottles they’re opting for affordable whiskeys that punch above their weight in both flavor and proof. For a suggested retail price of around $35, Green River Rye fits that bill. It’s full-flavored and complex enough to enjoy neat and at 95 proof, it’s able to stand up in a rye-based cocktail. It’s a clear step up from similar 95%-5% rye whiskeys in the same price range. I already enjoy Green River’s high rye and wheated bourbons, but their rye might be my new favorite in their portfolio.
