Green River Full Proof Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the kind of bottle that makes you sit up and pay attention. At 58.9% ABV, this is bourbon at full proof — meaning it's bottled at the same proof it entered the barrel, with no water added to bring it down. That's a deliberate choice, and it tells you something about the distillery's confidence in what's inside. For those unfamiliar with the term, "full proof" is distinct from "cask strength" in bourbon terminology. Barrel entry proof is capped at 125 proof (62.5% ABV) by law for bourbon, and this one comes in just under that ceiling at 117.8 proof. That high entry proof means the spirit has had maximum interaction with the barrel char from day one.
What strikes me about this pour is how much character it carries at that strength. NAS bourbons can be a gamble — without an age statement, you're trusting the blender's palate rather than a number on the label. But full proof bottlings tend to reward that trust, because there's nowhere to hide. Every decision in the production process is laid bare when you don't dilute. The mashbill, the yeast strain, the barrel selection — it all shows up in the glass.
Tasting Notes
I'd encourage you to approach this one with an open mind and a splash of water nearby. At nearly 59% ABV, the first neat sip will light up your palate in the best way, but a few drops of water will open this bourbon up considerably. Kentucky Straight Bourbon at full proof typically delivers bold oak influence, rich caramel sweetness, and a good hit of barrel spice — and Green River's offering sits firmly in that tradition. The "Kentucky Straight" designation on the label means this has been aged for a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels, distilled in Kentucky, and meets all the legal requirements that make bourbon bourbon. Given the depth and integration here, I'd wager there's older stock in this blend than the minimum requires.
The Verdict
At £65.95, Green River Full Proof sits in a competitive space. You're up against some serious names in the full proof bourbon category at that price point, and this bottle holds its own. What I appreciate most is the honesty of the presentation — no gimmicks, no overblown marketing copy about centuries of heritage. It's a Kentucky Straight Bourbon at full barrel entry proof, and it delivers exactly what that promises: intensity, complexity, and the kind of robust flavour profile that bourbon enthusiasts chase. An 8.1 out of 10 feels right here. It's a confident, well-constructed bourbon that punches at its weight class and occasionally above it. Not every bottle needs to reinvent the wheel — sometimes you just want a proper full proof bourbon that does the fundamentals well, and Green River nails that brief.
Best Served
This is a natural Old Fashioned bourbon. At 58.9% ABV, it has more than enough backbone to stand up to a sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura, and a wide orange peel without losing its identity. The full proof strength means your cocktail won't taste watered down as the ice dilutes — instead, it'll open up gradually over the course of the drink. If you prefer it neat, add water in small increments. Start with three or four drops and let it sit for a minute. You'll be surprised how much the character shifts. A glencairn glass is ideal for nosing at this proof, as the narrower opening helps concentrate the aromatics without overwhelming you with alcohol vapour.
