Review: Green River Honey Finished Bourbon

Honey-finished whiskey (and other spirits) appears to be a full-on trend right now, with Green River the latest bourbon to get in on the fun. This expression is more straightforward that some, using a small amount of 100% local honey added directly to the barrel of its Kentucky bourbon, rather than attempting to finish the spirit in a secondary honey cask. It’s also bottled at Green River’s full strength of 46% abv.

Per Green River: “The proprietary honey blend used in Green River Honey is procured in partnership with Above the Dirt Garden and Honey Shop, a Kentucky Proud, beekeeper-owned business that works year-round with a network of family-owned apiaries. This partnership ensures a blend of 100% raw, pure, unfiltered honey, sustainably sourced from family-owned apiaries across the Midwest and South.”

Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Review

Many a honey-finished whiskey has passed through the doors of Drinkhacker HQ. I can’t think of one that is as light-handed with the honey as this Green River expression is. While the essence of honey is clear, even obvious, on the nose, the underlying bourbon has plenty of power to balance it out, offering an aromatic profile that is more earthy than sweet, layered with dried florals akin to potpourri.

The palate is equally restrained with its honey dosage, the floral notes considerably stronger here than on the nose, where they come across as more subtle. Rose petals and orange blossoms give the experience a distinctly ambrosial quality, the honey playing second fiddle to those floral notes. Earthy and just a touch peppery, the underlying whiskey remains rather indistinct aside from a punch of fruit, apple and pear dominant, touched with vanilla and caramel (just as you’d hope). A clearer touch of honey — just a drop — lingers on the finish, but the hefty floral influence never fades out of view.

It’s a fun summertime idyll, but my favorite entry in this genre remains Nelson Bros’ effusive Honey Cask.

92 proof.

B+ / $25

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