CRAFT DISTILLERY

Green River Distilling Co.

Owensboro,
Kentucky
— Bourbon, Rye

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏭
Historic Revival
Making whiskey here since the 1800s
🌾
Traditional Focus
Bourbon, rye, wheated without the gimmicks
🏞️
River Location
Green River setting, natural shipping history
👥
Founded by
Jacob Call and Terence Reilly in 2016
🔧
Authentic Feel
Industrial character, not tourist polish
🥃
Visitor Favorite
Wheated bourbon hard to find elsewhere
📞 (270) 691-9001
🌐 https://greenriverwhiskey.com/
📍 10 Distillery Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Historic Bourbon Ground Back in Business

Green River Distilling Co. sits along the Green River in Owensboro, Kentucky, in a facility that’s been making whiskey since the 1800s. The operation was revived in 2016 by Jacob Call and Terence Reilly, who brought the historic Green River brand back to life after it had been dormant for decades. Call, whose family has deep Kentucky bourbon roots, partnered with Reilly to restore both the distillery and the brand that once operated on this same site. They’re producing bourbon, rye, and wheated whiskey in a restored facility that maintains its industrial bourbon heritage while adding modern equipment and visitor amenities. The distillery combines historical significance with contemporary craft distilling, creating spirits that honor the Green River legacy while establishing their own reputation. You’ll find a working distillery that takes its Kentucky bourbon heritage seriously, with production focused on traditional mashbills and aging processes that reflect the region’s whiskey-making traditions. The facility includes both production areas and visitor spaces, offering an authentic look at how bourbon gets made in a place where it’s been happening for well over a century.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Same Site Since The 1800s

This isn’t just another new distillery trying to make bourbon—Green River has actual historical roots dating back to the 1800s, and Call and Reilly specifically chose to revive the brand and location rather than start from scratch. The facility operates in a restored space that previously housed whiskey production, giving it authentic industrial character that you can’t replicate in a new building. Their approach focuses on reviving historical Kentucky bourbon traditions while using modern quality control and production techniques. The distillery also benefits from Owensboro’s position along the Green River, which historically made it a natural location for whiskey production and shipping. Rather than chasing trendy flavor profiles or gimmicky marketing, they’re committed to producing straightforward, well-made bourbon and rye that represents Kentucky whiskey traditions.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Craft

Tours take you through the production facility where you can see their copper column still and fermentation tanks, along with rickhouses where barrels age. The guides explain both the historical significance of the location and the current production process, making connections between how whiskey was made here in the 1800s and how they’re doing it now. Tastings include their flagship bourbon and rye expressions, and you’ll get to sample spirits in the tasting room that overlooks the production floor. The space feels authentically industrial rather than polished for tourists, which gives you a real sense of how bourbon production works in a serious distillery.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Real History Over Marketing Hype

If you’re interested in Kentucky bourbon history and want to see a genuine revival story rather than just another craft distillery startup, Green River delivers. The historical connection gives the visit more depth than many newer operations, and the whiskey quality backs up the heritage claims. It’s particularly appealing if you appreciate the industrial aspects of bourbon production and want to understand how traditional Kentucky distilling worked. You won’t find flashy marketing gimmicks or Instagram-friendly décor, but you will get a substantive look at bourbon-making in a place where it actually happened historically. The location in Owensboro also makes it a good stop if you’re exploring Kentucky distilleries beyond the main Bardstown trail.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Book tours in advance through their website, especially during peak bourbon tourism seasons in spring and fall. The facility is right off the main roads through Owensboro, making it easier to find than some rural Kentucky distilleries. Plan about 90 minutes for the full tour and tasting experience. Ask specifically about the historical timeline of whiskey production at the site—the guides know the local bourbon history well beyond just the current operation. If you’re buying bottles, their wheated bourbon expressions tend to be visitor favorites and aren’t as widely distributed as their flagship bourbon.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Green River Distilling Co. — Visitor FAQ

What’s the historical connection to the original Green River distillery?
The current operation revives a whiskey brand that operated in this area during the 1800s. While the exact facilities aren’t identical, the founders specifically chose to restore the Green River brand and establish production in Owensboro to maintain that historical connection to Kentucky bourbon heritage.
How long are the tours and what do they include?
Tours typically last about an hour and cover the production facility including fermentation tanks, distillation equipment, and barrel aging areas. The tour concludes with a tasting of their main bourbon and rye expressions in their tasting room.
Do I need to make reservations for tours?
Yes, tours require advance booking especially during busy seasons. You can reserve spots through their website or by calling the distillery directly. Walk-ins may be accommodated if space allows, but reservations ensure you’ll get a spot.

GETTING THERE

Find Green River Distilling Co.

📍10 Distillery Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301, USA

 — 

📞 (270) 691-9001

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NEAT OR NOT

Whiskey Reviews

117.3 Proof

Green River Full Proof Bourbon

Owensboro,
Kentucky

Neat or Not Rating: 

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