Green River Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon Review: A $60 Cask Strength Gem
This high-proof release is in my sweet spot for wheated bourbon. Below 100 proof, wheated bourbon is unassertive and short on spice for my palate. As Maker's Mark Cask Strength proved years ago, magic happens in wheated bourbon proofed well past the century mark.
BOTTLE DETAILS
- DISTILLER: Green River Distilling
- MASH BILL: 70% Corn | 21% Wheat | 9% Malted Barley
- AGE: 5-plus years
- YEAR: 2025
- PROOF: Ranges between 110-130 proof; my sample was 118.6 (59.3% ABV)
- MSRP: $59.99
- BUY ONLINE: Green River Distilling Bottle Shop
STEVE'S NOTES
SHARE WITH: Anyone who enjoys whiskey. Wheated bourbon fans will go ga-ga over this, so treat them to a pour. Rye bourbon fans will love its spice and kick. And fans of Green River in general will say, "They've done it again! Great whiskey at a fantastic price."
WORTH THE PRICE: Absolutely. This is proof that pricey bottles get far too much undeserved attention. It also proves distilleries can provide consumers with much more for less.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. In fact, two bottles if it's in your budget.
OVERALL: See the sample bottle in the photo above? The reason why I got that and not a full bottle was because Green River sent that just for "testing," so need for a full bottle, right? Fine by me, especially since that came along with two other samples: a Wheated Bourbon 90 proof and a Full Proof Bourbon, just for good measure. I love those 200ml "flask sizes" anyway. They're easy to take to parties to let others "test" and sample, too. Plus, when I "tested" it, I knew it was too good to not review favorably.
Bourbon & Banter members became highly familiar with the Green River brand after our group picked single barrel pick a few years ago. The pickers raved in our Discord channel (feel free to join us) about how good it was, and when the final product was delivered and we tasted it, many of us bemoaned not buying more bottles. It was that outstanding. But since this Wheated release is not a traditional bourbon and it's younger than our barrel pick, I'll not compare to our private pick.
Let's start with the basics, the man-on-the-street quick comment: This is a great whiskey, especially as a single barrel for 60 dollars! On the nose there's caramel, toasted oak, tropical fruit, cooked apple, golden raisin and a bit of cinnamon. If that 118.6 proof doesn't tingle your nose, see an ENT specialist.
On the palate, it begins with rustic wheat bread with honey and caramel before moving to lemon drop candy and white pepper. Toasted oak, pie crust, light brown sugar and vanilla linger at the margins before blazing a trail of a long, warm and lightly smoky finish. It's such a pleasure to drink neat, and I bet it would make a super gold rush cocktail.
This high-proof release is in my sweet spot for wheated bourbon. Below 100 proof, I find wheated bourbon unassertive and short on spice. As Maker's Mark Cask Strength proved years ago, magic happens in wheated bourbon is proofed well past the century mark. Wheat's spice, bready characteristics and fruit notes come alive and into their own with proof. (Still, Green River's 90-proof Wheated Bourbon is a nice easy sipper.)
Bottom line: Get this if you can find it. It's already sold out on Green River's website, which likely means it "tested" well.
BRAND NOTES
Presented at barrel strength, ranging from 110 to 130 proof and aged a minimum of five years, each Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Single Barrel selection bursts with ripe apricot and tangerine over luscious barrel notes of oak, cinnamon, and vanilla creme.
Each barrel is unique and offers a distinct flavor profile for this exclusive product. With just 100 barrels available in 2025, a limited number of bottles will be available to the general public beginning February 13, exclusively at the Green River distillery gift shop in Owensboro, and Bardstown Bourbon Co. retail shops at the distillery in Bardstown and Tasting Room in Louisville.
TASTE:
Orange peel, apricot, and cinnamon are balanced by toffee and pastry. A honeyed, round mouthfeel with hints of hazelnut leads to a lasting finish of traditional Kentucky flavor.
APPEARANCE:
Rich auburn, polished mahogany color
FINISH:
A soft, round, and lasting finish of traditional Kentucky flavor.
Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.