Why You Should Be Selling Green River
Located at the westernmost point of the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail sits a distillery that has quietly and now unmistakably claimed its place on the world stage. Recently, Green River Wheated Bourbon was named the World’s Best Bourbon at the 2025 New York World’s Spirits Competition, a title that cements its legacy among the greats.
Crafted in Owensboro, Kentucky, at Green River Distilling Co., the bourbon comes from the state’s 10th oldest licensed distillery. Founded in 1885 and revived in 2022 after being acquired by Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River has embraced its historic roots while building a modern identity with younger audiences as “The Whiskey Without Regrets.” With grains that are sourced locally, every drop distilled and aged onsite, the distillery has earned a reputation for its authenticity and quality.
Value that Sells
In today’s crowded bourbon market, price is a powerful selling tool. Green River Wheated Bourbon’s victory is remarkable, not only for its quality but for its accessibility. Priced as low as $35 a bottle, it outperformed bourbon costing as high as several hundred dollars, proving that world-class whiskey doesn’t need to be accompanied by the luxury price tag.
When speaking with Head Distiller, Aaron Harris, he puts its plainly “Green River is what everybody wants. They want a good bourbon that’s affordable and that they can buy again and again and again. We don’t do things for accolades. We never have, we never will. But they truly help us reinforce why we do things the way we do.”
Mashbills – Built for Excellence
The bourbon’s award-winning profile consists of 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% wheat, and 9% malted barley. This delivers a soft, sweeter flavor profile compared to rye-based bourbons. Aged in charred American oak barrels and bottled at 90-proof (45% ABV), this bourbon encompasses the perfect summertime whiskey with notes of peach, caramel, and cinnamon. Whether enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a cocktail, it’s suitable for any occasion.
In addition to the Wheated Bourbon, Green River offers a 1-liter 1885 Bourbon – a product made with an entirely new mash bill, 76% corn, 15% rye and 9% malted barley. The 1-liter appeal isn’t just about having more bourbon, it gives versatility and value behind the bar. Aaron adds, “the size allows Green River to “take over the wells,” giving bartenders a comfortable mixer or a neat pour that’s both affordable and high quality. It’s a smart choice for on-premise accounts looking to offer a world-class
bourbon at a competitive price.”
Scale and Storage
Green River has no small operation, it’s grown into a powerhouse with major capacity. At any given time, the distillery has over half a million barrels aging, ensuring steady supply and the ability to maintain quality blends every year. The scale supports not only their very own Green River bourbons, including LTO single barrel selections, but also any contract distilling.
Green River continues to evolve, not just at the distillery level but in how it connects with consumers. After witnessing the success of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s own tasting room, with over 100,000 visitors in its first year, Green River wanted to crate a similar experience. Recently, Green River opened a tasting room in downtown Louisville on Whiskey Row, bringing the true bourbon experience to the heart of Kentucky Bourbon country. This expansion allows more consumers, bartenders, and retailers to experience the brand, sample its award-winning bourbons and enjoy the rich heritage Green River is known for.
Humble in Victory
While many other distilleries would celebrate such a momentous award, Green River remains grounded. Aaron explains “we don’t do what we do to win awards. We try to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do every time… Quality over quantity every time.”
He adds, “We don’t make whiskey for awards. We make it for the people who drink it. But every once in a while, the world takes notice and we are humbled.”
From the beginning, Green River has always believed that bourbon should be accessible to anyone who wishes to enjoy it. Between the affordability and craftsmanship, Green River isn’t just a world champion, but a proven seller for retailers looking to offer a bourbon that has quality and value.
About Kramer Beverage
Kramer Beverage is South Jersey’s largest beer wholesaler and is owned and operated by the Kramer family – through four generations – since 1924. They are based out of Hammonton and serve an eight-county footprint in South Jersey with top brands from Molson Coors, Constellation, Yuengling, Boston Beer, Heineken USA, Pabst, Diageo, FIFCO, and others. Kramer Beverage also distributes wine, spirits, and a variety of craft beers from suppliers such as New Belgium and Sierra Nevada to local favorites, including Cape May Brewing, Flying Fish, MudHen, Double Nickel, Evil Genius, and Glasstown. For more information, please visit www.kramerbev.com.