The Best Bourbon in the World is Made in Owensboro, KY

The 2025 New York World Wine and Spirits competition is held annually to decide the best of the best when it comes to all things boozy beverages. Brands from all over the world can submit their product to be judged.

World's Best Bourbon

This week, they announced that Owensboro's very own Green River Distillery took home the crown! Best Bourbon in the WORLD. How incredible is that? Their Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon pleasantly surprised the panel of esteemed experts. They sang praises for the flavor and smooth nature.

“A warmly inviting and richly textured bourbon, opening with playful aromas of peppery spice and s’mores, followed by a palate of honeyed grains, oats, and creamy butterscotch layered with hints of oak and a lively barrel tang, all leading to a smooth, long finish where grain fades into soft honey, gentle spice, and warm barrel notes for a satisfying close.”

Apparently, there was some pretty stiff competition, but labels don't matter when it comes to a blind taste test! A senior contributor for Forbes Magazine shared that folks (who must have never tried Green River before) were surprised by the win.

"The surprise factor isn’t that it’s a subpar product. Quite the contrary. This is a complex liquid holding all manner of stone fruit aromas and candied confection undertones. No, the shocking thing is that you can easily find it on shelves for around $36 a bottle."

A huge congratulations to our friends at Green River Distillery. Of course, we locals all know and love the quality of the "Whiskey Without Regrets." The team there is dedicated to creating products that don't just taste good; they continue an incredible tradition of authenticity like only Kentucky can. We are beyond proud that the whole world now agrees that Owensboro brown water is the best.

See the process of making the World's Best Bourbon by taking a tour of the distillery! I can't recommend it enough. Click here for the schedule and book today.