Green River Wheated Bourbon 750ML is a 90-proof (45% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon from Green River Distilling Company in Owensboro, Kentucky. It earned Best Overall Bourbon at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition, where judges praised its richly textured grain, butterscotch, and oak character. Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof) | Origin: Daviess County, Kentucky | Wheated Bourbon | Distillery: Green River Distilling Company Production & Heritage Green River Distilling Company operates out of Owensboro in western Kentucky's Daviess County, where it ages bourbon in some of the oldest warehouses in the state. What distinguishes the operation is its clay tile rick-houses — a construction method believed to be unique in American whiskey. These clay tile structures hold both heat and cold exceptionally well, reaching extreme seasonal temperatures that accelerate the interaction between spirit and barrel. The wheated mashbill of 70% corn, 21% wheat, and 9% malted barley replaces the rye grain found in most bourbons, yielding a softer, creamier profile that lets the caramel and grain character of the corn shine through. Tasting Notes Aroma: Ripe peach and warm caramel lead, followed by dried apricot and a dusting of cinnamon. A lightly creamy cereal grain quality sits beneath, carrying floral notes and a suggestion of almond candy. Taste: The entry is soft and rounded, with toffee, pastry, and hazelnut arriving on a pillowy mouthfeel. Mid-palate, roasted cornmeal and light brown sugar emerge alongside vanilla bean and toasted grain. A gentle peppery spice builds on the back end, adding structure without sharpness. Finish: Medium in length, honeyed and smooth, with lingering cinnamon dust, dried lemon zest, and soft wooden spice. The wheat influence keeps things mellow and clean through the close. How to Drink Green River Wheated At 90 proof, this bourbon drinks comfortably neat or with a single ice cube, which opens up the peach and pastry aromatics without diluting the grain depth. It also works well in cocktails that benefit from a softer, sweeter whiskey backbone: Bourbon Old Fashioned: The toffee and brown sugar notes integrate naturally with bitters, requiring less added sweetener than higher-rye bourbons. Whiskey Sour: The creamy mouthfeel and stone fruit character balance citrus beautifully, producing a rounder, more dessert-like sour. Paper Plane: The wheat-driven softness and apricot undertones complement the Aperol and amaro components without competing for attention. Best For Introducing a wheated bourbon fan to a lesser-known Kentucky distillery with real heritage Stocking a home bar with an award-winning daily sipper at an accessible proof Gifting a bourbon enthusiast something distinctive — the clay tile aging story is a genuine conversation starter Mixing cocktails where a smooth, grain-forward bourbon outperforms spicier rye-heavy alternatives Frequently Asked Questions What does Green River Wheated taste like? It leads with toffee, peach, and pastry sweetness, moving into roasted cornmeal and vanilla bean with a touch of pepper spice. The finish is honeyed and smooth with cinnamon and gentle oak. How does Green River Wheated compare to Larceny Small Batch? Both are wheated Kentucky bourbons at similar proof points (Green River at 90, Larceny at 92), but Green River leans more toward stone fruit, cereal grain, and pastry notes, while Larceny tends to emphasize butterscotch and bread pudding sweetness. Green River's clay tile warehouse aging gives it a slightly different oak influence than Larceny's traditional rick-house maturation. Is Green River Wheated good for sipping neat? Yes — 45% ABV is a comfortable sipping proof, and the wheat-heavy mashbill produces a mellow, creamy texture that doesn't require water or ice to enjoy, though a drop of water can amplify the peach and floral aromatics. Where is Green River Wheated made? It is distilled and aged at Green River Distilling Company in Owensboro, Kentucky, located in Daviess County in the western part of the state. The distillery ages its barrels in distinctive clay tile rick-houses that are among the oldest warehousing structures in Kentucky. What foods pair well with Green River Wheated? Peach cobbler or stone fruit desserts echo the bourbon's natural fruit character. Salted caramel brownies complement its toffee and brown sugar notes. Smoked pork belly or pulled pork plays off the gentle oak and cereal grain. Aged gouda or mild cheddar bridges the vanilla and toasted grain flavors. Pecan pie mirrors the hazelnut and pastry sweetness. What sizes does Green River Wheated come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle at 90 proof (45% ABV). Is Green River Wheated worth the price? Green River Wheated positions as an accessible, everyday wheated bourbon that punches well above its price tier. Winning Best Overall Bourbon at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition against a large competitive field underscores the value proposition here — this is a serious bourbon at an entry-level price point. Why Green River Wheated? The strongest case for this bourbon is its 2025 New York World Spirits Competition win for Best Overall Bourbon — a result that put a spotlight on a distillery many drinkers had not yet encountered. Beyond the accolade, the production story is genuinely unusual: clay tile rick-houses create aging conditions that no other known Kentucky distillery replicates, giving the spirit a distinct oak and temperature profile. The 70/21/9 corn-wheat-malt mashbill delivers the creamy, dessert-like character that wheated bourbon drinkers seek, while the 90-proof bottling strength keeps it approachable for everyday drinking and versatile enough for cocktail use. For anyone building a collection of wheated bourbons or simply looking for a well-made Kentucky whiskey with a story rooted in actual distillery practice rather than marketing, Green River earns serious consideration.
