Green River Honors 250 Years of US Army With Limited Edition Bourbon

(Photo: Green River)

Green River Distilling Co. will mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with a commemorative bourbon release set to debut June 14.

The limited-edition bottle — dubbed the “official bourbon of the U.S. Army” — will be available over the next year at select military bases, Green River’s distilleries in Owensboro and Louisville and select online and in-store retailers. It carries a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Bottled at 111.1 proof — a nod to Veterans Day on November 11 — the bourbon is a blend of 4- to 7-year-old barrels. It’s distilled from a mashbill of 77% corn, 14% rye, and 9% malted barley — a recipe that this writer doesn’t remember ever having seen before, although it’s very close to Beam’s 77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley mashbill.

Green River describes the whiskey as full-bodied with notes of caramel, black cherry, cocoa and peppermint, finishing with toasted oak and light spice.

“This whiskey is a salute to 250 years of courage, commitment and sacrifice,” Col. (ret.) Mark Erwin, CEO of Green River’s parent company, Lofted Spirits, said in a news release. “As both a veteran and a leader in American whiskey, it’s an honor to raise a glass to the U.S. Army and the millions who have served to defend the freedom we cherish.”

A portion of the proceeds will support quality-of-life programs for soldiers and their families, including wellness, recreation and education. Green River and Lofted Spirits have also supported military-focused nonprofits such as the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and USA Cares.

The U.S. Army was founded on June 14, 1775 — more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Green River, one of Kentucky’s oldest licensed distilleries, has emphasized its ties to American history and service as part of this release.

The commemorative bottle features Green River’s horseshoe-shaped design but incorporates Army colors and branding. More details are available here.