Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon has been crowned the “World’s Best Bourbon” at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition, topping some of the most renowned wheated bourbons in the industry.
The New York World Spirits Competition is part of The Tasting Alliance’s renowned judging circuit, which uses a blind-tasting format to evaluate spirits on quality and craftsmanship.
According to a release from Green River, the judges praised the bourbon’s “smooth, approachable character and complex flavor profile,” calling it “a whiskey that captures the charm of a classic wheated bourbon while offering fresh, flavorful nuance.”
The recognition solidifies Green River’s growing reputation for producing high-quality whiskey that’s both accessible and authentically Kentucky.
“Green River Wheated Bourbon exemplifies the best of Kentucky tradition while bringing something distinctly its own,” said Dan Callaway, Master Blender at Lofted Spirits. “We set out to craft a bourbon that’s deeply flavorful, accessible, and full of character. To see it recognized on this stage, beating out some of the most coveted names in whiskey, proves that Green River delivers on our promise.”
Green River said the award-winning bourbon “leads with a beautiful peach and caramel aroma accented by apricot and cinnamon. On the palate, toffee, pastry, and hazelnut unfold, guiding toward a honeyed finish that’s smooth and balanced. In contrast with the brand’s rye-forward bourbon, this wheated expression offers an easy-drinking style without sacrificing depth or complexity.”
The wheated mashbill — made from 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% wheat, and 9% malted six-row barley — offers a softer, sweeter profile than Green River’s rye-forward bourbon while maintaining the brand’s signature depth.
At 90 proof (45% ABV), Green River Wheated Bourbon is crafted and bottled in Owensboro at Green River Distilling Co., one of Kentucky’s oldest licensed distilleries. Founded in 1885 and revived in 2022, the distillery is the westernmost stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and is known as “the Whiskey Without Regrets.”
Green River Distilling Co. is part of Lofted Spirits, among the largest American whiskey distillers in the U.S.
