Green River Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon Launch

Green River Distilling Co. debuted its U.S. Army 250th Anniversary bourbon June 12 with a dramatic parachute delivery to soldiers and veterans at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
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Credit: Green River Distilling

Green River Distilling Co. marked the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary on June 12 with an aerial bourbon delivery at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. The Kentucky distillery’s commemorative whiskey arrived via parachuting veterans in what the company called a “first sip” ceremony.

Green River’s Military Heritage Meets Modern Marketing

The dramatic product launch featured the All Veteran Group parachute team delivering the first bottle from thousands of feet above ground. Active-duty soldiers and veterans gathered below to witness the descent before participating in a ceremonial toast led by retired U.S. Army Colonel Mark Erwin, CEO of Lofted Spirits, Green River’s parent company.

“This whiskey is a salute to 250 years of courage, commitment and sacrifice,” Erwin said during the ceremony. The limited-edition bourbon arrives as the Army prepares for its semiquincentennial celebration, marking two and a half centuries since the Continental Congress established the Continental Army on June 14, 1775.

The bourbon carries a proof of 111.1, representing Veterans Day on November 11. Green River, which holds Kentucky’s 10th oldest distillery license dating to 1885, bottles the commemorative spirit at 55.55% ABV.

Release Details and Charitable Component

The Army 250th Anniversary bourbon becomes available June 14 at military bases, online retailers, and Green River’s facilities in Owensboro and Louisville, Kentucky. The company has not disclosed pricing or production numbers for the limited release.

Green River packages the whiskey in its signature horseshoe-shaped bottle adorned with Army colors and historical imagery. The distillery describes the official tasting notes as embodying “the spirit of American independence.”

A portion of sales will support military quality-of-life programs focusing on soldier wellbeing, fitness facilities, libraries, and recreational activities. Lofted Spirits maintains ongoing partnerships with veteran organizations including the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Special Operations Fund, USA Cares, and the Bardstown-Nelson County Veterans Memorial.

The Owensboro-based distillery reopened in 2022 after decades of dormancy. Green River now operates as the westernmost stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, producing whiskeys under the tagline “the Whiskey Without Regrets.”

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The All Veteran Group, which executed the parachute delivery, consists of active-duty personnel, military retirees, and their families who perform aerial demonstrations across the United States.

The parachute delivery which executed a quite literal ‘product drop’ for Green River. Credit: Green River Distilling

The commemorative bourbon represents a growing trend of distilleries creating military-themed releases. Similar partnerships have emerged between spirits brands and armed forces branches, though aerial product launches remain uncommon in the industry.

Green River’s Army anniversary bourbon joins a portfolio that includes the distillery’s flagship expressions. The company’s historic DSP-KY-10 designation places it among Kentucky’s earliest legal distilling operations following Prohibition’s repeal.

Additional product information and availability updates can be found at https://army250.greenriverwhiskey.com/.

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The Whiskey Wash Team brings together certified spirits specialists, industry experts, and passionate whiskey writers delivering authoritative coverage of the global whiskey landscape. With deep expertise in bourbon, Scotch, Japanese whisky, and emerging world expressions, the team combines technical knowledge with engaging storytelling. Through news, reviews, and in-depth features, we help both newcomers and connoisseurs navigate the complex world of whiskey, sharing the heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship that makes each bottle unique. Our mission is to inform, educate, and build community through trustworthy, accessible content that serves whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

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