Review: Green River U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon

Whether you were pro birthday parade or anti birthday parade, we could all probably agree that America’s fighting men and women deserved to be celebrated on the Army’s 250th birthday. Kentucky’s Green River went above and beyond the call of duty for the occasion, partnering with the U.S. Army to release the official, commemorative bourbon, a bottle that honors both its own veteran employees, including CEO Mark Erwin, and a unique footnote in its long history. Green River was the official whiskey of the U.S. Military Hospital from 1885 to 1903, when whiskey was a doctor-approved pain reliever. (Those were the good old days they keep telling us about! -Ed.)

The bourbon itself is special, too, showcasing an entirely new mashbill from the distillery of 77% corn, 14 % rye, and 9% malted barley. Aged between 4 and 7 years old, it is bottled at a proof that also honors the occasion: an “Army Strong” abv inspired by the Veteran’s Day numerals. Let’s check it out.

Green River U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon Review

This is a straightforward, classic bourbon with few surprises other than how well everything seems to come together. The nose is warm and rich with vanilla pudding, pralines, and a bit of creamed corn, a note that particularly complements an almost creamy texture in the aroma.

The palate is round with buttery notes of butterscotch candies and chewy caramel that give way on the midpalate to a flourish of baking spice notable for its impressive balance. Bourbons at higher proof like this typically deliver peppery spice notes or lean heavily on cinnamon or clove. Here, the spice cabinet element is already baked into the pie and caramelized with plenty of brown sugar for a silky and imminently drinkable experience.

The finish is perhaps the one shortcoming, fading a bit early with notes of cocktail cherry and cola. All in all, it’s still one of the best bourbons I’ve tasted from Green River, and a fitting tribute to two and a half centuries of American badassery.

111.1 proof.

A- / $50

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