Meeting #7: Aug '24 - Green River // The Whiskey Rebellion

We had a FULL house this past Thursday with record attendance of 29!! And for good reason... after filling up on Kyle's famous pit beef (which was outstanding!), Michael Snell of York's Dividend Bourbon Club delivered a very interesting history lesson on the Whiskey Rebellion, which primarily occurred right here in Pennsylvania. Staying within the theme, Michael also brought 3 bottles of Liberty Pole whiskey, distilled In Washington PA, a small rural town just south of Pittsburgh. His tastings included a bottle of white dog (the name for clear whiskey fresh out of the still, primarily drank by farmers in colonial times), a bottle of bourbon (same white dog, but aged 2 years in barrels), and a unique peated bourbon for the scotch enthusiasts. If you didn't taste these, we have some left! While I don't plan on buying a bottle of white dog any time soon, it's interesting to compare it to the 2 year bourbon - it really shows how important barreling and aging is! Thanks for sharing and presenting, sir!

After the presentation, we switched gears to our tasting. For this meeting, we chose Green River Distillery, which is a slightly less known distiller (especially since you can't find it in PA). That being said, they make GREAT whiskey, and other distillers know this and source barrels from Green River to make their stuff. Green River is also known for being a great value ($35 for their main lineup and $55 for the full proof option), which we love. And based on our scores, our club seems to agree as all 3 tastings scored quite well. And here are the notes...

#1) Kentucky Straight Bourbon

45% / 90 proof / Aged min. 5 years /$35

70% corn, 21% winter rye and 9% malted barley

HF Avg: 3.15

APPEARANCE: Rich, golden-amber color

TASTE: Full of warming spice, vanilla, caramel and chocolate-coated peppermints with aromatic notes of cinnamon, dried cherry and light leather.

FINISH: Lingering, rich mouthfeel

I think this is a very balanced, soft, and easy drinking bourbon. The Rye adds some nice subtle spices to the sip. And since it doesn't break the bank, it's a really nice cocktail bourbon.

#2) Wheated Bourbon

45% / 90 proof / Aged 4-6 years / $35

70% Corn , 21 % Wheat , 9% Malted Barley

HF Avg: 3.48

APPEARANCE: Rich, golden-amber color

TASTE: Orange peel, apricot, and cinnamon are balanced by toffee and pastry. A honeyed, round mouthfeel with hints of hazelnut leads to a lasting finish of traditional Kentucky flavor. FINISH: Lingering, rich mouthfeel

Still very balance and easy drinking, but I think it has a little more to offer. The orange peel adds a little bitter citrus, which one member suggested would make for a great cocktail bourbon - and I'd have to agree. But for the purists, this wheater is a nice sipper. You won't be disapointed for $35.

#3) Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

58.65% / 117.3 Proof / Aged 5-7 Years / $55

70% Corn, 21 % Rye , 9% Malted Barley

HF Avg: 3.64

APPEARANCE: Deep golden amber

TASTE: Full of warming spice, vanilla, caramel and chocolate-coated peppermints with aromatic notes of cinnamon, dried cherry and light leather.

FINISH: Lingering and rich

Full Proof is the high octane version of their Kentucky Straight Bourbon (you can see the mash bill is the same). However, this one also spends a little longer time in the barrel, and it shows. Green River Full Proof is full of flavor. It takes the balanced and easy drinkability of #1, and just turns up the volume - but not too much. I feel like the rye notes are slightly more noticeable, with the cinnamon and peppermint being just a little more pronounced, and I'm here for It. The club really dug this one too! So if you come across one of these in the wild, pick one up.

#4) Kentucky Straight Rye

47.5% / 95 Proof / Aged 4-6 years / $35

95% Rye / 5% Malted Barley

HF did not score, BONUS TASTING.

While we didn't score Green River's Rye (wish we did though), I think this would have received high scores - I would have probably given it a 4. I really like ryes, and this one was awesome. Nice vanilla sweetness but with pepper, spice, and herbal notes. For the cocktail folks, this would make an awesome old fashioned.

See y'all at the Gala, Saturday September 7th. We'll send an email with more information as we get closer to the date!