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As you might have gleaned through other articles, Wayne and I thoroughly enjoy Green River – their spirits, distillery, and most importantly, their people. Therefore, when we learned of their dinner pairing event with Farmer & Frenchman (a place we have wanted to visit), we immediately got tickets for the August 1st event.
We arrived in Robards, KY and were immediately taken by the beauty of the surroundings. There were lovely buildings, little cabins, grape vines, and green for miles.
We had to get a few pictures before the event began!
When we checked in, we were escorted to a private table. In itself, this was different as we are accustomed to such events being at shared tables.
The dining was somewhat divided – the more formal area with chandeliers and white tablecloths and the enclosed patio section where we were seated.
Four Pours of Green River
Our cocktail and three neat pours of Green River.
Four Course Meal
The first two courses were seafood based and that meant that Wayne got double helpings. He enjoyed each offering but felt the Creole Caponata was his favorite of the two.
Description – Creole Caponata: Crawfish, sweet and sour peppers, roasted eggplant, and creole spices on toast.Served with Gold Rush Cocktail with Green River Wheated Bourbon.
Creole CaponataFried Scallops
Description – Fried Scallops: Deep fried scallop pieces, grilled polenta, and green tomato chutney. Served with Green River Bourbon 90 proof.
The Waygu Lasagna was mind blowing. Your palate is expecting a traditional lasagna but this was so rich and with amazing depth.
Description – Wagyu Lasagna: Smoked and braised wagyu beef shank ragu, tomato and red wine sauce, bechamel, and smoked mozzarella. Served with Green River Rye.
Wagyu LasagnaCherry Covered Chocolate
The dessert might have been my favorite bite of the evening. Such an explosion of flavors that worked amazingly well together. Wow!
Description – Cherry Covered Chocolate: Triple chocolate marscapone cheesecake with a warm cherry gastrique. Served with Green River Full Proof Bourbon 117 Proof.
The evening was wrapping up and it was time to say our goodbyes. It was well worth the drive and it has also encouraged us to return to the Farmer & Frenchman for a longer stay.
But before leaving, we had to get a picture with friends – Caryn, Renee, and Aaron!!!
For this tasting, Wayne and I tasted the latest release from Green River Distilling – their Kentucky Straight Full Proof Bourbon. We purchased this bottle when we attended their Full Proof Release Event on June 7, 2024.
For the release event, we received a gift bag that included a bottle of Green River Full Proof in commemorative packaging and one of their newly redesigned Glencairn glasses, which is really beautiful.
Time to open the box for the surprise!
From Green River’s Press Release: Green River Full Proof is a blend of five-to-seven-year barrels selected from curated areas of Green River’s Owensboro tile warehouses and feature the same mash bill as Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon. These original tile warehouses maintain both warm and cool temperatures, yielding unique proof variation and liquid maturation. The result is a pure expression offering a robust flavor profile which preserves the barrel character while bringing massive flavor to the palate.
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Green River Kentucky Straight Full Proof Bourbon
Mashbill – 70% Corn, 21% Rye, and 9% Malted Barley Age – A blend of 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old barrels Proof – 117.3 Price Paid – $49.99 Other – One of the coolest bottles around with the horseshoe base as a throwback to their historical DSP-KY-10
TastedNeat – The warmth of backing spices and like the nose, there is vanilla, citrus, honeysuckle, caramel, and dried cherry. On a second sip, cocoa and mint appear. The finish is lingering with more spicy notes of black pepper and cinnamon, a hint of fruit, and the barrel char is noticeable.
Tasted with dried cranberry – Light and bright. The citrus is more prominent and it is less spicy but still a finish of cinnamon.
Tasted with a pecan – A bit more woody and somewhat hot but not with a distinct spice. The citrus and other great notes seem to be gone.
Tasted with dark chocolate – That is really good. The light cocoa from the neat taste is coming through with more chocolate and the rye mint flavors. The finish remains very nice and oaky with the dark chocolate as well.
Discussion and Final Notes
This is a really good full proof. At 117.3 it is pretty easy to drink after the first acclimation sip. It has a wonderful range of flavors with a terrific body and mouthfeel. The blending of this was masterful as is evident from such a balanced taste profile.
Value – all day long! This is a 5-7-year blended full proof bourbon for under $50. It is very elegant and highly enjoyable. We might want to try this head-to-head with other full proofs / barrel strengths of a similar proof. This is not allocated and should be widely available.
We highly recommend trying this Green River Full Proof. For the price point, we plan to always have a “back up” on hand as well. This could easily become one of our regular pours.
Cheers, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Requirements
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof.
Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky.
For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
NOTE: The bourbon in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
June 7, 2024, Wayne and I ventured to Owensboro, KY to partake in Green River Distillery’s launch of their full proof bourbon. We had secured a VIP Tour and arrived early to take in the festivities.
While awaiting the start of our tour, we had a pour of the full proof. The perfect way to set the stage for the remainder of the event.
VIP History and Distillery Tour
We a VIP tour with none other than the amazing National Brand Ambassador, Caryn Wells. We started in the room that holds so much of the history of Green River Distilling. Each time the story is told, we learn and/or remember a new detail. I decided to get pictures of the timeline barrels to help me remember. The artifacts that they have collected and displayed are top notch.
History notes from the barrel heads –
1885: Green River Distillery is founded by JW McCulloch. DSP-KY-10 is the 10th oldest Licensed distillery in the state and becomes home to McCulloch’s famous whiskey.
1886-1889: Green River Whiskey is known far and wide, thanks to its quality and JW McCulloch’s innovative marketing approach. Advertising for the brand includes the slogan “The Whiskey without a Headache,” later becoming “The Whiskey Without Regrets.” Known as the “most expensive spirit ever sold,” 20 barrels were once traded for interest in a Colorado gold mine. Green River becomes the official whiskey of the US Marine Hospital in 1910.
1900-1906: Green River wins many awards, including a gold medal and “best of show” at the Paris Exposition in 1900, and later a grand prize at the 1905 Leigh Exposition in Belgium. It also wins awards at expositions in St. Louis MO in 1904, Portland OR in 1905, and Milan Italy in 1906.
1906-1917: The city of Owensboro is an epicenter of bourbon production with more than 20 distilleries. Daviess County is home to several of the state’s largest and best distilleries.
1918: At the height of Green River’s popularity, a fire broke out on the distillery grounds. In just three hours, most of the buildings and whiskey barrels were reduced to rubble.
History notes from the barrel heads – (continued)
1920-1933: The distillery is rebuilt, but Prohibition is passed, and McCulloch wouldn’t live to restore Green River to its former glory. Almost all of Daviess County’s distilleries, including Green River, shut their doors, as Owensboro’s whiskey industry evaporates overnight.
1939-2007: A group of Medley family members band together to purchase and revive the distillery as the Medley Distilling Company. For the next 70 years, the Medley Family continues to carry on the tradition of distilling spirits at the location and maintains the registration of the distillery as DSP-KY-10.
Today – A Legacy Revived: In 2014, the Green River team finds the distillery with such a storied history in ruins. Brick by brick, building the building, they restore the 10th oldest distillery in the state. In 2016, they began distilling. History comes full circle in 2020 as Green River Distilling Co. is officially revived in its original home. With the support of John W. McCulloch’s great-grandson, the Green River flag is raised high on the distillery campus for the first time since Prohibition.
2022: Green River returns to its former glory. The revival marks the return of Owensboro’s rich bourbon legacy. The distillery remains registered as DSP-KY-10 and is a heritage member of the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail, welcoming visitors from near and far.
We headed outdoors for a discussion about grain. Green River uses only non-GMO grain and receives more bushels a week than one can wrap their head around. Next we were off to the stillhouse. Caryn shared history as well as distilling facts with us along the way. We got to drink the “high wine” off the still and it was fantastic.
Time for the Tasting in Rickhouse B
Rickhouse B
We then went to Rickhouse B where all the single barrels are selected. It was great that we were able to taste and compare their various offerings. We started with the Wheated, then their flagship Bourbon, followed by the Rye, and we finished with the Full Proof. We learned that the full proof is a blend of 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old barrels. In addition to the prepared pours of their line, we received samples of a bourbon single barrel thieved straight from the barrel. It was incredible!
We have been on many tours and experiences. Two of the most important factors of a GREAT one are the guide and your fellow enthusiasts. For this event, we hit the jackpot with Caryn as our guide and an amazing group of bourbon/Green River enthusiasts. It was like family and we had so much fun!
Commemorative Gift Bag for the Green River Full ProofRelease
We each received a gift back with a bottle of Green River Full Proof and one of their newly redesigned Glencairn glasses, which is really beautiful.
See our Green River Full Proof tasting notes HERE!
Distillery Trail Statistics
Green River Distilling, in Owensboro, KY, is the closest distillery to us and one of our favorite places to visit. This was our 9th visit and our 127th distillery experience. Our first visit was November 13, 2021 where Caryn Wells led us through a guided tasting and discussion about this history of the distillery.
We had a truly wonderful evening and it was difficult to say goodbye. Wayne and I look forward to our next visit at Green River Distilling.
We started the weekend on Friday night with the kick-off dinner, Spirited Bourbon Pairing Dinner at Green River Distillery. However, Saturday, May 11, was the big day – and BIG it was. The 2024 BBQ & Barrels event was amazing. There was competition BBQ in the streets, a great line-up of live music all day, a very interesting auto show, education sessions in the afternoon, followed by the bourbon festival. Of course, that doesn’t mean the day is complete until gathering with friends and an opportunity to view the Northern Lights. What a day! Something for everyone!
BBQ Competition and Street Fair
Cooking teams, BBQ competition, Food Trucks – this Street Fair lined 2nd Street in downtown Owensboro, KY. It was fun to walk and smell the amazing aromas coming off of those smoker. Wow – if only cameras had smell-a-vision!
On Friday we sampled one item and enjoyed a cocktail from Castle & Key.
Saturday we had the opportunity to sample from the various competition teams. So many yummy bites of smoked chicken, pork, bologna, ham, sausage, venison, etc. It is amazing how full you can get sampling with a toothpick!
Rob, Wayne, & April
Champions Motorcar Invitational
The car show was new this year. I’m not sure I would have been aware of it if I hadn’t known someone who was showing his 57 Chevy. While there weren’t as many cars in the field as one might expect, they were all incredibly different and quite stunning. Ultimately, 12 barrel head trophies were awarded.
Education Session with Evan Williams
We enrolled in the Master Class with Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (EWBE) Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau. The BBQ & Barrels classes are a terrific value. Held one hour prior to the VIP entry for the bourbon tasting, the last two years there have been three options available and only $25 a ticket for a 45 minute session.
Jodie introduced himself and provide some background on his 42 years of experience, working his way up, of being a part of the Heaven Hill family-owned operation.
He then led us on a detailed tasting of two award-winning Evan Williams Bourbons made in distinctly different styles. The small cups, in the photo above, contained various elements, such as cherry, cinnamon, walnuts, etc. that might be on the nose or the palate of the two expressions. We were also provided a water dropper and were encouraged to try each a second time with a drop of water to see how it might open up differently.
First up was the Evan Williams Single Barrel made in column stills at the historic DSP-KY-1 Bernheim plant. This expression is 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. The notes provided were accurate for our palate as well – nose of dark caramel, sweet oak, and charred wood; taste of oak with honey, fruit notes of apple and orange, and a very nice spice.
Next was the Square 6 wheated bourbon made in the EWBE Artisanal Distillery using Vendome pot stills. We have tried and purchased the Square 6 previously and the wheated expression is one of our favorites. It is a blend of two mashbills. The first is 74% corn, 16% wheat, and 10% malted barley. The second is 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. This is bottled at 105 proof. All aspects of this is wonderful. The nose starts with caramel, vanilla, figs, cherries, and oak. The nose continues on the palate and adds confectioners’ sugar and walnuts. The walnuts continue on the finish as well as oak and cinnamon. It is a yummy flavor bomb.
Rebecca, Wayne, & Jodie
Lisa & Jodie
Jodie loves what he does and it shows in his excitement when talking about these spirits. It was really nice to meet him, hear his story, and taste these spirits again with his enthusiasm as an added bonus. After the session concluded, we were able to get pictures with him for us and our friend, Lisa Stinson.
Barrels Bourbon Festival– VIP
View of the BBQ & music festival from the Convention Center
The VIP ticket included the all-important one-hour early entry (3PM vs 4PM). Everything else aside, this is critical because it is much less crowded and this allows you to sample more easily and spend time talking with the various distillers. Of course, the passed heavy hors d’oeuvres and commemorative VIP BBQ and Barrels Glencairn tasting glass is very nice as well.
With 35 distilleries, we approached it somewhat methodically but also ensured we had time with some of our favorite people!
Rebecca, Kim, & Wayne: The Bard DistilleryBarry with RD One DistilleryAaron with Green River DistillingJustin with Spirits of French LickRebecca, Amine, & Wayne: Old Louisville Whiskey CoAJ of Casey Jones Distillery
There were legacy distilleries, craft distilleries, and some who were just getting started. It is wonderful to see everyone together and in a support environment.
Starlight DistilleryMichter’s DistilleryCoal Pick DistilleryWestern KY DistillingBrothers of the Leaf DistilleryEvan Williams Bourbon Experience
The crowds were substantial following the VIP hour but everyone was polite and friendly. People shared tables to visit and take a break. Distillers shared their stories, provided samples & tchotchkes, most were able to sell bottles a well. It was a great opportunity to be reminded of why we have enjoyed these folks while meeting new people and tasting new expressions.
We made our bottle purchases (pro tip: wait so you don’t have to carry!) and exited the event a little after 5PM. We enjoyed our time there and two hours was just about perfect for us.
Bourbon Friends & Northern Lights
It was a wonderful day and a beautiful evening; thus, we couldn’t let the fun end at the conclusion of the festival. Many of us gathered at about 8PM for a “bottle share” around the bonfire at one of the hotels on the river. Again, time with old friends and time to get to know new friends. That is what the bourbon journey is all about. Sharing a pour with stories, laughter, and even some cigars. I’ve said it before and will say it again – bourbon has an amazing culture and it is one that we feel immensely blessed to be a part of.
Lisa, Phil, Ann, & JeffSarah & LisaTori, Barry, Lisa, & Phil
This also happened to be a night where viewing the Northern Lights was a possibility. Being on the river, without excessive lights, was a lovely setting to gain a glimpse. We all looked, watched, and hoped for several hours. Ironically, it wasn’t until Wayne and I were walking back to our hotel at about midnight that we were finally able to capture the magical view. Wow – the Northern Lights truly placed a colorful bow on what had already been a perfect weekend.
The Glover Cary Bridge (also known as the Blue Bridge) connecting Indiana to Owensboro KY always has an amazing light display.
That’s a Wrap for BBQ & Barrels
Wow – what a wonderful weekend! We could not have asked for better weather. The event was well-organized and everyone we met was friendly and fun. It is always difficult to say what was the best part or the best memory. While the events were excellent, it is always the people who create the memories. Seeing folks that we haven’t seen for some time. Making new friends. Spending time with people who come from various locations and walks of like to share a common passion – bourbon.
If you haven’t been to Owensboro, KY or this BBQ & Barrels event, mark your calendar for 2025. The BBQ event has been a staple on the riverfront for decades and in 2023 the “barrels” portion was added. This year was the first time for the car show. With the live music, it is truly a festival atmosphere. There is something for everyone and that is why the attendance continues to grow. Bookmark their site, tickets usually go on sale late February or very early March.
Again, we highly recommend this event. If you haven’t attended a bourbon festival before, this is a terrific chance to do so in a non-overwhelming environment. And if your friends, spouse, or significant other are not “into bourbon” that’s ok because there is so much to do!
This was a great memory for Our Bourbon Journey – be sure to add it to yours!
As a start to the two-day BBQ & Barrels event in Owensboro, KY, Wayne and I drove over the blue bridge last night to attend our 2nd Annual Spirited Bourbon Pairing Dinner with Green River Distilling. We always enjoy our visits at Green River and this one looked to be terrific.
On the agenda was a unique bourbon dinner crafted by Chef Matt Weafer of Niko’s Bakery Cakes and of course, cocktail pairings crafted by Green River.
Throughout the evening we were serenaded by this amazing group!
Cocktail, Appetizers, &Salad
Once seated, we enjoyed a smoked salmon dip and smoked pimento cheese.
With the salad course we were served a Lemon Thyme Whiskey Sour made with Green River Wheated Bourbon, Lemon Juice, and Thyme Simple Syrup.
The Maque Choux Salad included local greens, corn, tomatoes, onions, celery, red peppers, creole dressing, and bacon.
Dinner & Cocktail
The entrée cocktail was a Honey Ginger Old Fashioned made with Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Ginger/Honey Rich Syrup, and Angostura Bitters.
The entrée included pecan crusted sea bass with smoked tomato chutney, pommes duchesse and asparagus.
We were then served duck a l’range with duck confit and bourbon orange glaze over chili-infused grits and brussel sprouts.
Dessert & Cocktail
We were then treated to a Blackberry Manhattan made with Green River Rye Whiskey, Blackberry infused Sweet Vermouth, and Fernet.
The dessert was a lovely bourbon poached pear with goat cheese cremeux, smoked miso caramel, and almond gateau.
Bourbon with Friends
With every bourbon event, there is an opportunity to connect with friends and make new ones. We had a lively table and a great time was had by all! We are looking forward to Saturday’s events.
Rebecca, Wayne, Barry, ToriRebecca, Wayne, Todd, Susan, Ann, Vicky, Jeff, Ann
This was another fantastic event hosted by Green River Distilling.
February 1, 2024, Wayne and I ventured to Owensboro, KY to partake in Green River Distillery’s launch of their rye whiskey. We had secured the final VIP Tour of the day and arrived early to take in the festivities.
When we arrived and checked in, we were greeted with a donut. What?? But not any ordinary donut. These were by the local Gramps Coffee and Donuts. Each donut was dipped in a delicious homemade glaze that is made with the newly released Green River Rye Whiskey. It was then topped with pecans and a dab of whipped cream for that small creamy bite. Wow – just wow!
We then ventured to the bar to see what specialty cocktails were available. Not surprising, one of the featured drinks was an Old Fashioned made with the Green River Rye – it was very good. Read our tasting notes here.
VIP Distillery Tour
We had the last VIP tour of the day, and it was with none other than the amazing National Brand Ambassador, Caryn Wells. The tour was fantastic. Caryn shared history with us along the way. We got to drink the “high wine” off the still (just over 140 proof) and it was fantastic.
She shared a wonderful “full circle” story while we were in the fermentation room. Originally, there were Cedar fermentation tanks in that room. However, they were sold by Charles Medley to Maker’s Mark back in the 90’s. Ironically, Maker’s Mark Master Distiller at the time, Steve Nally, supervised their disassembly and reassembly. For those who do not know, Steve is now the Master Distiller at Bardstown Bourbon Company – the parent company of Green River since July of 2022. Pro-tip: Caryn shared that if you visit Maker’s, look for the wood that is slightly slimmer than the others, that is from Green River.
We then went to Rickhouse B where all the single barrels are selected. It was there that we got to try the rye. In addition, we were able to barrel thieve rye and bourbon. Amazingly good and we were able to keep the Glencairn as a souvenir. We learned that they rye is a blend of 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old barrels.
Back in the guest center we chatted and talked more about whiskey with Caryn and the other tour guests that we met. It was getting late, and they needed to close but first we had to each get our bottle of newly released Green River Rye Whiskey in commemorative packaging. The packaging was quite creative and both Caryn and Aaron, their Master Distiller, signed our boxes and bottles.
We had a truly wonderful evening and it was difficulty to say goodbye. Wayne and I look forward to our next visit at Green River Distilling.
Gift Shop
We have been here several times and always make a stop in their gift shop. We picked up another bottle of Green River Rye Whiskey and Wayne was able to get some very nice Green River socks and a package of their coffee. We then noticed that they had a few of the limited edition signed event prints and got one of those as well. We look forward to having it framed to hang in our bourbon room.
Commemorative Packaging for the Green River Rye Whiskey
Distillery Trail Statistics
Green River Distilling is the closest distillery to us and one of our favorite places to visit. This was our 7th visit and our 112th distillery experience. Our first visit was November 13, 2021 where Caryn Wells led us through a guided tasting and discussion about this history of the distillery.
For this tasting, Wayne and I tasted the latest release from Green River Distilling – their Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. We purchased this bottle when we attended their Rye Launch Party on February 1, 2024. Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Green River – the whiskey without regrets!
Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Mashbill – 95% Rye and 5% Malted Barley Age – A blend of 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old barrels Proof – 95 Price Paid – $37.99 Other – One of the coolest bottles around with the horseshoe base as a throwback to their historical DSP-KY-10
Color – golden amber
Aroma – doesn’t have a typical rye note on the nose; a lot of sweetness comes through such as honey, brown sugar, and a sweet fruit.
TastedNeat – citrus, like a sweet orange marmalade with honey and graham crackers, fresh rye grass but not as expected for a 95% rye, fruitiness but with a nice rye spice and oak finish.
Tasted with dried cranberry – reduced the sweetness and mostly muted the rye spice.
Tasted with a pecan – A new type of sweetness now, such as caramel and chocolate, but with pepper, cinnamon, and maybe some oak on the finish.
Tasted with dark chocolate – creamy sweetness of caramel, but with a stronger presence of baking spices and then pepper for the finish.
Discussion and Final Notes
This is rye provides a really nice ride. It is a 95% rye that drinks quite similarly to a bourbon. You know it is rye from the rye grass, slight mint, and rye spices; however, the sweet citrus fruit – such as orange marmalade plus the graham cracker tricks your mind to thinking about bourbon.
If we had friends over that said they absolutely do not like rye, I would pour them a taste of the Green River to see if we could change their mind.
This whiskey is also at a great price point of under $40 and should be readily available through regular distribution channels. I believe Green River is now in 25 states, so look for it on the shelves of your local liquor store.
Cheers, Rebecca & Wayne
Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Spirit Requirements
What is a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey? Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less. It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a proof of 125 or below. Straight rye whiskey is a subcategory of rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and doesn’t contain any additives. If aged less than four years, the label must include an age statement. To add “Kentucky” to the label, it must be aged for at least one year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information, read Rye Whiskey, part of the Sunday Spirit Notes.
NOTE: The whiskey in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.