Green River Rye Whiskey Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Green River Distilling Co.
• MASH BILL: 95% Rye | 5% Malted Barly
• AGE: A blend of hand-selected 4 to 6-year-old barrels
• YEAR: 2023
• PROOF: 95 Proof (47.5% ABV)
• MSRP: $34.99
• BUY ONLINE: Seelbach’s

POPS’ NOTES

SHARE WITH: People think that good whiskey requires spending over $100 for limited-release expressions. It’s a fantastic bottle to reset their expectations, but it may also make them cry once they recognize their past mistakes.

WORTH THE PRICE: AT $34.99, do you need to ask?

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle – Buy a few and share with friends.

OVERALL: After eagerly anticipating Green River’s new rye whiskey for over a year, I can confidently say it was worth the wait. The nose is a delightful surprise, offering a blend of orange citrus, young rye grain, and peaches. This sweet and fruity aroma sets it apart from the typical pepper-forward nose of other 95/5 rye mash bills and evolves beautifully into notes of honey-glazed pastries.

The whiskey’s taste begins with a robust caramel flavor, an unusual characteristic of rye whiskey. It’s joined by the expected spicy (albeit young) rye grain and a dash of pepper. What’s truly intriguing, though, is the addition of a sugary bubblegum note – think of the classic pink bubblegum – mingled with a slightly bitter fruitiness, reminiscent of the skin of a Red Delicious apple. This unique combination of flavors creates a delicious and unexpected experience.

The finish is long, dry, and satisfying, featuring plenty of cinnamon and pepper and a lingering sweet bubblegum note. Green River Rye offers a different flavor journey compared to its peers. Its sweeter profile and milder peppery taste make it more accessible, potentially appealing to a broader audience, including those who might find other rye whiskeys too intense. At 95 proof, it strikes a good balance between drinkability and flavor intensity, though some rye enthusiasts might prefer a higher proof for added complexity.

In just a week since receiving my bottle, I’ve almost finished it, which speaks volumes about its appeal. It reminds me of the excitement I felt with Green River’s high-rye bourbon release back in early 2022. Green River is certainly making a mark with its releases this year, and this rye is a must-try for those looking for quality without the need for celebrity endorsements or steep prices.

In summary, Green River Rye is a well-crafted, flavorful whiskey that offers great value. It’s a ‘whiskey with no regrets,’ perfect for enjoying with friends at your next gathering.

BRAND NOTES

Green River’s Rye, with its easy-drinking appeal and memorable finish, dazzles on its own or punches through in a cocktail. This Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is a blend of hand-selected 4 to 6-year-old barrels, bottled at 95 proof, and boasts rich color and flavor. 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley.

Green River’s Rye, with its easy-drinking appeal and memorable finish, dazzles on its own or punches through in a cocktail.

Learn more via the full-release article on Bourbon & Banter.

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.