Green River Wheated Bourbon Crowned World's Best Bourbon at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition

The brand recognized for "honoring Kentucky's deep bourbon tradition while forging its own distinctive path"

OWENSBORO, Ky. (October 21, 2025) — Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon is the world's best according to the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition — beating out some of the most sought-after wheated bourbons in the world – a category ripe with hype and inflated pricing.

The recognition underscores Green River's unwavering commitment to delivering an unprecedented mix of quality and value.

At this year's competition, the judging panel praised the whiskey's smooth, approachable character and complex flavor profile, "a whiskey that captures the charm of a classic wheated bourbon while offering fresh, flavorful nuance." Green River Wheated emerged as the top performer in a field that included renowned heavyweights — a remarkable achievement for a bottle with a suggested retail price of just $34.99.

"Green River Wheated Bourbon exemplifies the best of Kentucky tradition while bringing something distinctly its own," said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits. "We set out to craft a bourbon that's deeply flavorful, accessible, and full of character. To see it recognized on this stage — beating out some of the most coveted names in whiskey — proves that Green River delivers on our promise."

Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon leads with a beautiful peach and caramel aroma accented by apricot and cinnamon. On the palate, toffee, pastry, and hazelnut unfold, guiding toward a honeyed finish that's smooth and balanced. In contrast with the brand's rye-forward bourbon, this wheated expression offers an easy-drinking style without sacrificing depth or complexity.

The New York World Spirits Competition brings The Tasting Alliance's prestigious blind judging process to the East Coast. With a keen focus on regional market trends and consumer preferences, NYWSC serves as a premier platform for brands to gain industry recognition and credibility in one of the world's most influential spirits markets. Judged by a panel of esteemed experts, this competition not only celebrates excellence in spirits but also provides brands with invaluable exposure to key trade professionals, distributors, and discerning consumers in the dynamic New York market.

Mashbill: 70% Kentucky-grown corn | 21% wheat | 9% malted 6-row barley

Proof: 90 (45% ABV) | SRP: $34.99

ABOUT GREEN RIVER

Green River Distilling Co. is a celebration of classic Kentucky – honoring the past while staying firmly planted in the present. The 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky (DSP-KY-10), Green River is known as "the Whiskey Without Regrets," and enjoys a rich history dating back to 1885. Reintroduced in 2022, Green River Distilling Co. proudly calls Owensboro, Kentucky home and serves as the westernmost outpost of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™. Authentic and approachable, Green River offers a growing portfolio of whiskeys crafted from historic mashbills. Blended to create a smooth and welcoming taste profile, Green River Distilling Co. is a true testament to simplicity and quality going hand-in-hand. Green River is part of Lofted Spirits, one of the largest American Whiskey distillers in the U.S. For more information visit the link below.