Introduction
Today, we’re diving into Green River Full Proof Bourbon, a new release that we’ve been eagerly anticipating. As big fans of Green River and their master distiller, Aaron Harris, we couldn’t wait to crack this bottle open. The mash bill is 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, and it clocks in at a solid 117.3 proof.
The term “full proof” can be a bit of a mystery. Typically, it refers to the distillery proofing the finished whiskey back down to match the entry proof—the proof at which it went into the barrel. But in this case, Green River's full-proof ABV varies in the way it's bottled from batch to batch, leading us to think they might be putting it in barrels at different proofs. Regardless, the most important thing is how it tastes, so let’s jump into it.
The following review is taken from our episode "Rise of the Planet of the Apes / Green River Full Proof Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: This is a high rye bourbon—21% rye—and I was kind of blown away by how much the rye stands out on the nose. But once I let it sit for a bit, I started getting some notes of strawberry Pop-Tart, peanut butter, and even a bit of a skunky mint. The ethanol is pretty strong, though, even after letting it sit for a while, so that’s a bit of a drawback. Overall, I’m giving it an 8/10 on the nose.
Bob: There’s a lot of character here that I usually find in high-proof weeded bourbons. I’m picking up some Coca-Cola notes, and there’s this bright fruitiness—like a sour apple or a lemon twist—that pops in and out. I did get that weird skunky note too, but it kind of dissipated after a minute. I’m intrigued by this, so I’m giving it an 8.5/10 on the nose.”
Taste
Brad: Bob, this is a 9/10 on the palate for me. I’m getting peanut butter, vanilla, and a sweet mint from the rye. It gets a little spicy near the back of my palate, but the big thing that hits me is how it mixes that spice with the richness of a bourbon. It’s like caramel fudge with a touch of cacao. This is freaking delicious.
Bob: Man, this is far and away the best thing I’ve had from Green River. That tart strawberry you mentioned hits right up front for me, almost like strawberry shortcake, and then it transitions into those classic bourbon notes—vanilla, caramel, maple, and oak. It’s a big, bold bourbon that stays sweet all the way through, never turning sour or bitter. The mouthfeel is thick and viscous, almost like a caramel flan. I’m giving it a 9.5/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish drops off just a little bit for me. It’s more of a medium finish with some dill coming through. It shifts from that sweet mint on the palate to a more dill-like flavor on the back end. There’s some black pepper and even a hint of fresh-cut grass. It’s still a solid finish, but I’m giving it a 7.5/10.
Bob: The finish is a step down, but it’s not drastic. I’m getting those Coca-Cola notes again, but it’s a little thinner, more like flat Coke, and that corn syrupy sweetness comes through. There’s also that herbal, grassy layer you mentioned. I’m with you, Brad, I’m giving the finish a 7.5/10.
Balance
Brad: This is a solid 8/10 for balance. The strong palate definitely helps it here. The nose is really good, and the finish, while a step down, is still above average. They knew what they were going for with this bourbon, and they hit those notes consistently throughout.
Bob: This might not be the most complex whiskey we’ve had, but it’s definitely the most purely delicious. I could sit here and drink this all day. It’s hitting all of my tastebud pleasure receptors. For me, this is a 9/10 for balance.
Value
Brad: $50 for this? I thought it was going to be like $70. This is an incredible value in the world of whiskey, and I’m giving it a 9/10.
Bob: I’m giving it a 9.5/10, and the only reason it’s not a 10 is that I think about other high-proof whiskeys around this price point. This reminds me a lot of Rebel Distiller’s Collection, which is one of my favorites, but it’s a little more expensive. Still, at $50, this is an absolute steal.
Final Scores
- Bob: 44/50
- Brad: 41.5/50
- Average: 42.75/50
Conclusion
With a combined score of 42.75/50, Green River Full Proof Bourbon is a standout whiskey that we highly recommend. It’s not just good—it’s a candidate for whiskey of the year, especially when you factor in the value. At $50, this bourbon delivers incredible flavor, balance, and complexity. We’d recommend grabbing a bottle—or three—while you can.
Remember, we typically start recommending a whiskey for purchase at around the 35/50 mark. Anything above 40/50 is considered great, and anything at 45/50 or above is among the best whiskeys we've ever reviewed.. Green River Full Proof Bourbon easily surpasses those benchmarks, making it a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast.
