Green River Distilling Co. has unveiled Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey, a new expression that finishes four-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon with 100% real honey inside the barrel. The honey whiskey launches nationwide on May 15, 2026, at a suggested retail price of $24.99 for a 750ml bottle.
The Owensboro, Kentucky-based distillery said the product takes a different approach to the honey whiskey category by using locally sourced honey added directly into the barrel rather than relying on artificial sweeteners, flavoring additives, or post-production blending.
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Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), the bourbon retains significant structure and warmth. Official tasting notes from the brand describe floral aromas surrounded by honey, caramel, orange peel, toasted oak, and vanilla, with a full-bodied palate and a finish of light cinnamon spice.
"For too long, honey whiskey has been defined by shortcuts," said Dan Callaway, master blender at Lofted Spirits. "’Natural flavors’ aren’t always as natural as they claim to be. Green River Honey is changing that — putting our money into real, natural honey and Kentucky Straight Bourbon."
Callaway added that the expression "opens the Green River brand up to higher energy occasions, plays well in a cocktail, and bridges a huge gap in the category between higher priced honey-cask finishes and cheaper immature flavors."
The proprietary honey blend is procured in partnership with Above the Dirt Garden and Honey Shop, a Kentucky Proud, beekeeper-owned business. The partnership ensures a supply of 100% raw, pure, unfiltered honey sourced sustainably from family-owned apiaries across the Midwest and South.
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A 200ml format will also be available alongside the standard 750ml bottle.
Green River positions the product as appealing equally to bourbon enthusiasts and bartenders. "One of the few commercially available higher proof honey finished bourbons available, the high proof and real honey finish give cocktails structure without overpowering them," said Caryn Wells, national brand ambassador. "It makes a perfect Gold Rush with just lemon and a shake, and it elevates any whiskey cocktail where balance matters."
Green River Distilling Co. has built momentum in recent years. The brand’s Wheated Bourbon was named Best Overall Bourbon in 2025 by the New York World Spirits Competition, and the distillery followed that success earlier this year with the release of Wheated Full Proof.
The launch is accompanied by a consumer marketing campaign called DeliverBEE, which allows fans to nominate friends or colleagues to receive a surprise delivery of Green River Honey. Nominations are open at greenriverwhiskey.com/honey-whiskey.
