Green River 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon 750ML

Green River 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon 750ML is a 111.1-proof (55.55% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon and official licensed product of the U.S. Army, bottled at 750ml. The distinctive proof is a deliberate nod to Veterans Day — 11/1/1 — making it one of the few commemorative American whiskeys whose strength carries symbolic meaning beyond the liquid itself.

Quick Facts: ABV: 55.55% (111.1 Proof)  |  Origin: Owensboro, Kentucky  |  Blend of 4-7 Year Old Bourbons  |  Distillery: Green River Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, traces its roots to 1885 and stands as one of the state's legacy distilling operations along the Ohio River. For this 250th Army Anniversary release, the distillery departed from its standard bourbon recipe, employing a dedicated mashbill of 77% corn, 14% rye, and 9% malted barley. The liquid is a blend of barrels aged between four and seven years, married together and bottled at a full-flavored 111.1 proof without dilution to a lower strength — a deliberate choice that ties the whiskey's intensity to its commemorative purpose.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens bright and floral, leading into candied caramel corn and vanilla. Warming cinnamon and dried cherry develop underneath, with a subtle layer of light leather and hot grain mash adding depth.

Taste: The entry is full-bodied with immediate butterscotch and chewy caramel, giving way to a mid-palate surge of black cherry and cocoa. Baking spice and a distinct peppermint note emerge at the peak, adding complexity to the bourbon's considerable weight at 111.1 proof.

Finish: Rich toffee and toasted oak dominate the finish, which carries substantial length and a bold, lightly spiced fade. The mouthfeel remains buttery throughout, with lingering warmth befitting the high proof.

How to Drink the 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon

At 111.1 proof, this bourbon rewards a slow pour neat in a Glencairn or rocks glass; a few drops of water open up the sweeter caramel and cherry notes without dulling the spice. On a single large ice cube, it holds its structure well as dilution gradually softens the proof.

• Old Fashioned: The butterscotch and baking spice profile stands up to sugar and bitters without disappearing under dilution.
• Manhattan: Black cherry and cocoa notes harmonize naturally with sweet vermouth, creating a rich, layered cocktail.
• Kentucky Mule: The high proof and peppermint edge cut through ginger beer with authority, making a more complex take on the classic.

Best For

• Gifting to veterans, active service members, or military history enthusiasts
• Adding a meaningful bottle to a bourbon collection with commemorative significance
• Exploring higher-proof Kentucky bourbon beyond the standard 80-100 proof range
• Hosting a Veterans Day or patriotic holiday tasting alongside other American whiskeys

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon taste like? It delivers a full-bodied profile led by butterscotch, caramel, and black cherry, followed by cocoa and baking spice. The 111.1 proof gives it noticeable warmth and a bold, toffee-driven finish with toasted oak.

How does the 250th Army Anniversary compare to standard Green River Bourbon? Green River Distilling Co. used a different mashbill for this commemorative release — 77% corn, 14% rye, and 9% malted barley — setting it apart from the standard expression. It also comes in significantly hotter at 111.1 proof versus the flagship's lower bottling strength, resulting in a bolder, more full-bodied pour.

Is the 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the blend of 4-7 year old bourbons provides enough maturity to smooth out the 111.1 proof, though a splash of water helps reveal the sweeter caramel and cherry layers for those unaccustomed to high-proof whiskey.

Where is the 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon made? It is distilled and bottled by Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, a city situated on the Ohio River in Daviess County with a distilling heritage dating to the 19th century.

What foods pair well with the 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork matches the bourbon's toasted oak and toffee character. Dark chocolate truffles echo its cocoa notes. Pecan pie complements the butterscotch sweetness. Aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the caramel-forward palate. Spiced apple crisp highlights the cinnamon and baking spice elements.

What sizes does the 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon come in? It is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is the 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon worth the price? It positions as a limited commemorative release within Green River's lineup, carrying a premium over the standard expression due to its unique mashbill, higher proof, and official U.S. Army licensing — factors that add collectible value beyond the liquid alone.

Why the 250th Army Anniversary Bourbon?

This release stands apart because every detail — from the 111.1 proof honoring Veterans Day to its official U.S. Army licensing — is designed with intention rather than marketing afterthought. Green River Distilling deliberately reformulated the mashbill for this bottling, selecting a 77/14/9 corn-rye-malt ratio and blending barrels aged four to seven years to achieve a profile distinct from their core range. The result is a bourbon that functions as both a serious sipper at barrel-strength territory and a genuine commemorative piece. For collectors and bourbon drinkers who value provenance and purpose in a bottle, this is a Kentucky whiskey that earns its place on the shelf through substance, not just symbolism.