Sips & Sites & Bites

Kentucky bourbon fans have something special to raise a glass to this summer. Green River Distilling Co. has announced the debut of its oldest bourbon release to date, kicking off an all-new limited-edition lineup called the Distillery Select Series.

The inaugural release, Toasted Double Oak Bourbon, isn’t just another barrel-finished whiskey. It’s an eight-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon that spent an additional six months resting in a newly toasted American oak barrel, creating a richer and more layered version of Green River’s signature profile.

For a distillery with roots stretching back to 1885, this release feels like a fitting blend of tradition and experimentation.

Green River starts with its classic mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, aging the whiskey for eight years in the distillery’s historic clay-tile rickhouses in Owensboro, Kentucky. From there, 13 barrels from Warehouse B were chosen for a secondary maturation in lightly charred, medium-toast American oak barrels crafted by Independent Stave Company.

The result is a bourbon bottled at a robust 115.1 proof that amplifies Green River’s trademark fruit-forward character while adding layers of caramelized wood sugars, baking spice, and oak richness.

According to Master Blender Dan Callaway, Green River’s naturally fruity profile makes it an ideal candidate for double-oak treatment.

“The strong fruit flavors of Green River are ideally suited for a double barrel,” Callaway said. “The bold flavor pairs perfectly with the additional wood sugars and spice imparted during the extra six months of double barreling.”

The whiskey has already earned some impressive recognition before reaching consumers, taking home a Double Gold Medal and 96 points at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The release also marks the beginning of Green River’s new Distillery Select Series, which will spotlight some of the most interesting barrels and experimental projects coming out of the Owensboro distillery. Rather than chasing flashy gimmicks, the series aims to explore different proofs, finishes, and warehouse selections while staying firmly rooted in Kentucky bourbon tradition.

Green River has been enjoying a resurgence since its reintroduction in 2022. The distillery, which holds Kentucky DSP-KY-10 status and is the westernmost stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, continues to build a reputation for producing high-quality whiskey at approachable prices. Its Wheated Bourbon was even named Best Overall Bourbon at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition.

For collectors and Green River fans, availability will be limited. Toasted Double Oak Bourbon comes in a 375 mL bottle and will be sold exclusively at Green River’s Owensboro distillery and its Louisville tasting room for $49.99.

The official launch takes place June 20th at the Owensboro distillery, where visitors can enjoy special tours, tastings, food, and entertainment while getting first crack at the new release. Louisville bourbon lovers will get their opportunity beginning June 26th at the brand’s tasting room.

If this first Distillery Select bottling is any indication, Green River may have a few more hidden gems aging quietly in those Kentucky warehouses. For bourbon enthusiasts, that’s welcome news indeed.