I always prefer a cask strength. I like the oilier mouth feel, the higher fat content and the flavors aren’t watered down. If I feel it needs a drop or two of water in the glass, I’ll take care of it myself. Green River is incredible juice. I have a full proof SiB Kroger pick that is just off the charts. Leather, orange peel, burnt caramel on the palate. Tobacco, vanilla, a bit of bubblegum, caramel, crème brûlée. For $60, it’s hard to beat, but I’m willing to test it in a side-by-side with the GR FP that I picked up this past Saturday. GR is one of the best out there these days. Came back to say the FP is Whoppers. Chocolate covered malted milk balls. Absolutely delicious.
When I did a tour at Green River I was able to taste directly from the barrel and fell in love with the wheat bourbon that was in that tour, of course I couldn't get it in a bottle to go 😢. So I hope they will come out with the wheated bourbon at Cask Strength possibly a single barrel one as well.
From a chemical standpoint: higher proof will carry more flavors and a "viscous" texture. Now, whether or not you prefer those flavors and texture, that's a matter of personal preference. Personally, I'm here for it 🤙🏻
I like flavor, not necessarily proof. Cask strength tends to provide more flavor, but I really love the lower barrel entry proof cask strength bourbons, like Michter’s, Maker’s Mark, even Wild Turkey is on the lower side. Some of my favorites!
I love green river. I was on a bourbon hunt this last week as I traveled through WI and IL and had this bottle in my hand at least 5 times. I know I'm going to get one eventually, but this moved it up my list a bit for sure.
I tend to like higher proof bourbons. But like you said, not because of the proof but the flavor and dimension that typically comes with higher proof bourbons. Love the channel! Thanks for keeping real, keeping it crisp, and keeping fun.
I find that 100 proof is my sweet spot, so I love a lot of BIB bourbons. Cask/Barrel strengths are great too, but I usually add a few drops of water or a small cube. I watched this video to decide if I should buy this or another bottle on a trip next week because it is still not available in my home state of NJ.
Was just at Green River 1-2 hours ago doing the tour and barrel proof barrel sampling of three barrels - wheated, straight bourbon, and rye. All wonderful, especially the straight bourbon. Thanks for the review, Fred.
Bought Green River Full Proof on sale at Binny's today for $39.99. Bourbon like Rare Breed which I love, runs hot, the Green River for me does not. I really like it.
I got a bottle a few days ago, and my tasting experience was very similar to yours. I packed up 3 drams to give to by bourbon lovin' co-workers and can't wait to hear the feedback. Great review Mr Minnick as always! Until next time, looking forward to the next video!
Evening All, I strongly agree that higher proof is just better for my taste. The higher the better amps, the whole experience of the expression . I dig it.
In my youth, ethanol screamed on my palate and prevented me from enjoying whiskey at all, but in my middle age my palate's sensitivity to ethanol is low enough that I enjoy the way ethanol volatilizes flavorsome compounds on the palate and nothing quite does it like barrel proof products. I also love how higher-proof whiskeys deliver additional retronasal experiences during the finish (as the ethanol in the throat lifts scents back up through the sinuses). 80-proof bourbons don't have enough ethanol to do that for me given the dullness of my palate these days, though I still enjoy Dickel 15-year single barrel bottles even when they're around 80 proof; they still pack a TON of fruitcake spicy-sweetness I can still enjoy thoroughly.
I used to be more of a proof hound desiring the higher proof products, though I typically didn’t care for products over 130 proof without a few drops of water. I always felt there was more flavor in the higher proof products. Since I’ve had a medical procedure done affecting the oral cavity, I rarely drink higher proof stuff without adding a good bit of water. And I’m relearning to enjoy the lower proof stuff - as Fred said, there can be decent complexity in some of these.
Thanks for the review. We live in Canton, GA and are on our annual summer RV trip. Just scored two Green River Full Proofs in the Bardstown, KY area. One at the Bardstown Bourbon Company and one at a Kroger N of the Jim Beam Distillery. Was hoping I might find one of these on this trip. We can’t get the Green River Full Proof Single Barrel in North Georgia.
I love both barrel proof and lower proof. BP is very enjoyable with a ton of flavor. Lower proof stuff like Michter’s 10 yr, Weller 12, 1792 12 yr really hit the spot.
I like full proof because I can drink it in a particular way. After pouring, I first drink it full proof, taking my time with it. Then, I add some water and give it the same slow, careful tasting. Then I add the same bit of water again, never letting it get below 90 proof. The best bourbons are great AND different at every stage. Some are just superior at one stage, and that’s how I drink it afterward. Some aren’t great at any stage, and those are never bought again. Just my little chemistry experiment that you can only do with a full proof whiskey! 🇺🇸
I'm having trouble enjoying my bottle of this. For some reason this bottle and a store pick barrel proof I had have some sort of metallic finish for me after a couple of sips. I don't get that same note with the Green River standard offerings. Maybe it'll come around after the bottle is open for a while. Still can't beat it at $50 for a barrel proof bourbon. Would like to see them do the same in a wheated version.
Thank you for the point of proof. I think it's easier for many in the community to recognize value based on proof per dollar. This is unfortunate but obviously with the economy of this community being what it is currently, we are losing our willingness to try anything perceived as being proofed down, even if it does make for a better or more interesting experience. It's all about botching, and in that may include the process of proofing, which can actually add considerably more time to how long it takes to produce the batch. You just have to ask yourself, if you can see that the intention was to produce a better product by using all manner of insight into what the goal is or even just maximizing the potential of the product by any means available. Many lower (within reason) proof products are being overlooked, but are as worthy or more than high proof as a means to quick sell a potentially undesirable product.
Thanks for sharing such valuable information! I have a quick question: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). Could you explain how to move them to Binance?
Higher proof whiskeys are usually more flavorful. However, some are better at lower proof. I like Old Forester bourbons in the 100-115 range compared to their 130+ proof bourbons.
My bottle on fresh crack has a lot of really nice spice and barrel char on top of the caramel. The finish is insane. I can see why people hyped this one already. If this opens up I will be impressed. 40$ for this is really good. 60$ in my state, still good.
Most liquor stores should be able to find out for you. I recommend becoming friends with a manager and seeing what they can dig up; they have the contacts for your state, after all. Cheers!
All barrels at OZ Tyler were made the traditional way. The company, Terressentia, would run the TerraPure process AFTER the barrel was dumped. Those barrels made back then are now getting of age and ,as you see, are delicious!
You’re the expert and I trust your opinion but imho every time I’ve added some water to cask strength it brings out the less desirable aspects and turns down the flavors I like. Makes me think they pick barrels to the proof. They sample and say these we can cut and are good at lower proof while others shine at full proof and maybe not so much cut down. Cheers Fred!
Would you be certain when you are detecting black liquorice that you're not drinking ouzo? I've enjoyed their 90 proof offering so this is something that I'll have to pay attention for. Great show as always! Cheers!
Hers my take…I do prefer cask strength as the flavor is just better. However, I don’t like too high proof. What do I mean? For me, proof 97-116 is ideal and of that is at barrel proof due to low entry point, even better!
I feel the proof above 100 adds some nuance to the flavors by accentuating what is there, makes me pay attention to it. Usually bourbons below 95 ish proof tastes a little lighter than I like.
I enjoy the 90 proof wheated but the straight bourbon is just not good to me and comes in last when we do blinds. With that said, I am hesitant to buy the Full Proof and have passed on a strength store pick. Still up in the air about buying it.
I’ve been into bourbon for a few years so the proof doesn’t bother me any more. The low proof stuff just seems to be too light on the palate and the flavors are muted. I much enjoy the cask stuff to get those full flavors.
I must have a bad batch. My bottle is very astringent, tastes like band aids, and forced aging. I also picked up the wheated bourbon, and it is damned good. I see so many positive reviews of the full proof. Not sure what is up with the bottle I purchased, bummer.
Well, like in a good wine, especially reds... finish is a big selling point for me. A good wine has a nice nose, and a robust palate, and it might fizzle on the finish... it's the addition of the lasting flavorful finish that makes a good wine become great... for me. From my experience, 100 proof plus bourbon has a finish. Does that mean all of it's good? No. Just having a finish isn't enough to make it great, but not having a finish at all... is also not enough to make it great... for me... personally...
having tried this too, I agree with all of your tasting notes on this. I really enjoy how oily it is on the palette. A store near me got a 5 year 123 proof Green River pick in today, but honestly, I think im just gonna get another Green River full proof for $10 less. Maybe the store pick is better, but I know that Full Proof is deeeeelicious for $50. Cheers!
Once you get a taste for cask strength bourbons I think it's hard to go back to lower proof stuff.
I totally agree
A-proofing-men to that
Facts
If it's not at least 100 proof I won't even consider it.
Hard even to go back to small batches in general lol.
“Caramel bomb” you say?! Now they need to do a full proof wheated
I always prefer a cask strength. I like the oilier mouth feel, the higher fat content and the flavors aren’t watered down. If I feel it needs a drop or two of water in the glass, I’ll take care of it myself. Green River is incredible juice. I have a full proof SiB Kroger pick that is just off the charts. Leather, orange peel, burnt caramel on the palate. Tobacco, vanilla, a bit of bubblegum, caramel, crème brûlée. For $60, it’s hard to beat, but I’m willing to test it in a side-by-side with the GR FP that I picked up this past Saturday. GR is one of the best out there these days.
Came back to say the FP is Whoppers. Chocolate covered malted milk balls. Absolutely delicious.
Really hope a Full Proof Rye is coming out next!
Cask strength adds a different mouth feel, deeper flavors, longer finish, more interesting of an experience by every metric
When I did a tour at Green River I was able to taste directly from the barrel and fell in love with the wheat bourbon that was in that tour, of course I couldn't get it in a bottle to go 😢. So I hope they will come out with the wheated bourbon at Cask Strength possibly a single barrel one as well.
From a chemical standpoint: higher proof will carry more flavors and a "viscous" texture. Now, whether or not you prefer those flavors and texture, that's a matter of personal preference. Personally, I'm here for it 🤙🏻
Just picked up a bottle of this and it’s damn delicious! Love what green river is doing. I hope they put out a full proof wheated!
I like flavor, not necessarily proof. Cask strength tends to provide more flavor, but I really love the lower barrel entry proof cask strength bourbons, like Michter’s, Maker’s Mark, even Wild Turkey is on the lower side. Some of my favorites!
I love green river. I was on a bourbon hunt this last week as I traveled through WI and IL and had this bottle in my hand at least 5 times. I know I'm going to get one eventually, but this moved it up my list a bit for sure.
I tend to like higher proof bourbons. But like you said, not because of the proof but the flavor and dimension that typically comes with higher proof bourbons. Love the channel! Thanks for keeping real, keeping it crisp, and keeping fun.
I find that 100 proof is my sweet spot, so I love a lot of BIB bourbons. Cask/Barrel strengths are great too, but I usually add a few drops of water or a small cube. I watched this video to decide if I should buy this or another bottle on a trip next week because it is still not available in my home state of NJ.
I just picked this up today and it is amazing. Only $45 in Maryland.
Where I live it was $15 on a discount and honestly I thought it was ok I had no idea it was $50 in some places or mine I never would have expected it
Was just at Green River 1-2 hours ago doing the tour and barrel proof barrel sampling of three barrels - wheated, straight bourbon, and rye. All wonderful, especially the straight bourbon. Thanks for the review, Fred.
I love the purest expression of the whiskey. Plus… if I wanted watered down whiskey, I’ll water my whiskey
This
Bought Green River Full Proof on sale at Binny's today for $39.99. Bourbon like Rare Breed which I love, runs hot, the Green River for me does not. I really like it.
I got a bottle a few days ago, and my tasting experience was very similar to yours. I packed up 3 drams to give to by bourbon lovin' co-workers and can't wait to hear the feedback. Great review Mr Minnick as always! Until next time, looking forward to the next video!
Evening All, I strongly agree that higher proof is just better for my taste. The higher the better amps, the whole experience of the expression . I dig it.
In my youth, ethanol screamed on my palate and prevented me from enjoying whiskey at all, but in my middle age my palate's sensitivity to ethanol is low enough that I enjoy the way ethanol volatilizes flavorsome compounds on the palate and nothing quite does it like barrel proof products. I also love how higher-proof whiskeys deliver additional retronasal experiences during the finish (as the ethanol in the throat lifts scents back up through the sinuses).
80-proof bourbons don't have enough ethanol to do that for me given the dullness of my palate these days, though I still enjoy Dickel 15-year single barrel bottles even when they're around 80 proof; they still pack a TON of fruitcake spicy-sweetness I can still enjoy thoroughly.
This has become my new go to bottle. Love the bourbon and your review is spot on for the tasting.
I used to be more of a proof hound desiring the higher proof products, though I typically didn’t care for products over 130 proof without a few drops of water. I always felt there was more flavor in the higher proof products. Since I’ve had a medical procedure done affecting the oral cavity, I rarely drink higher proof stuff without adding a good bit of water. And I’m relearning to enjoy the lower proof stuff - as Fred said, there can be decent complexity in some of these.
Thanks for the review. We live in Canton, GA and are on our annual summer RV trip. Just scored two Green River Full Proofs in the Bardstown, KY area. One at the Bardstown Bourbon Company and one at a Kroger N of the Jim Beam Distillery. Was hoping I might find one of these on this trip. We can’t get the Green River Full Proof Single Barrel in North Georgia.
47.99 in Austin Texas. Very happy with it. I hope it stays available
I love both barrel proof and lower proof. BP is very enjoyable with a ton of flavor. Lower proof stuff like Michter’s 10 yr, Weller 12, 1792 12 yr really hit the spot.
Howdy Fred! I am a big fan of their wheat and rye and just got this bottle over the weekend! Now really looking forward to opening …maybe today!
I like full proof because I can drink it in a particular way. After pouring, I first drink it full proof, taking my time with it. Then, I add some water and give it the same slow, careful tasting. Then I add the same bit of water again, never letting it get below 90 proof. The best bourbons are great AND different at every stage. Some are just superior at one stage, and that’s how I drink it afterward. Some aren’t great at any stage, and those are never bought again. Just my little chemistry experiment that you can only do with a full proof whiskey! 🇺🇸
I'm having trouble enjoying my bottle of this. For some reason this bottle and a store pick barrel proof I had have some sort of metallic finish for me after a couple of sips. I don't get that same note with the Green River standard offerings. Maybe it'll come around after the bottle is open for a while. Still can't beat it at $50 for a barrel proof bourbon. Would like to see them do the same in a wheated version.
i also love the bottle design. Bottom of bottle is horseshoe. Great juice and bottle
Thank you for the point of proof. I think it's easier for many in the community to recognize value based on proof per dollar. This is unfortunate but obviously with the economy of this community being what it is currently, we are losing our willingness to try anything perceived as being proofed down, even if it does make for a better or more interesting experience. It's all about botching, and in that may include the process of proofing, which can actually add considerably more time to how long it takes to produce the batch. You just have to ask yourself, if you can see that the intention was to produce a better product by using all manner of insight into what the goal is or even just maximizing the potential of the product by any means available. Many lower (within reason) proof products are being overlooked, but are as worthy or more than high proof as a means to quick sell a potentially undesirable product.
Thanks for sharing such valuable information! I have a quick question: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). Could you explain how to move them to Binance?
Picking this up tomorrow. I've had their wheater and liked it
I got this bottle a couple months ago and I love it. Great bottle for the price IMO.
Green River is putting out some awesome stuff. Easily one of my new daily drinkers! Can't wait to try the Full Proof. Great review Fred. Cheers!
Higher proof whiskeys are usually more flavorful. However, some are better at lower proof. I like Old Forester bourbons in the 100-115 range compared to their 130+ proof bourbons.
I've run through about half a bottle so far....I like it. It'll be a repeat buy for me
My bottle on fresh crack has a lot of really nice spice and barrel char on top of the caramel. The finish is insane.
I can see why people hyped this one already. If this opens up I will be impressed. 40$ for this is really good. 60$ in my state, still good.
Love Green River, i recently picked up a couple of bottles of Full Proof.
I’m just curious, how would I find out if something is distributed in my state. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Most liquor stores should be able to find out for you. I recommend becoming friends with a manager and seeing what they can dig up; they have the contacts for your state, after all. Cheers!
All barrels at OZ Tyler were made the traditional way. The company, Terressentia, would run the TerraPure process AFTER the barrel was dumped. Those barrels made back then are now getting of age and ,as you see, are delicious!
You’re the expert and I trust your opinion but imho every time I’ve added some water to cask strength it brings out the less desirable aspects and turns down the flavors I like. Makes me think they pick barrels to the proof. They sample and say these we can cut and are good at lower proof while others shine at full proof and maybe not so much cut down. Cheers Fred!
Hello from North County Whiskey Club
I very much agree there is a lot more flavor in CS but CS isnt always better
Sweet. Makes me happy that I picked one of these up yesterday! Well, technically not full proof. Its a simgle barell at 124.2 proof.
Like the review, you mentioned a book about knowing about flavors and where they come from, could you provide the link please.
Yeah, my book Bourbon Curious. You can find wherever books are sold. Signed copies are on my website
@@FredMinnick I’ve got it. A great resource!
Would you be certain when you are detecting black liquorice that you're not drinking ouzo? I've enjoyed their 90 proof offering so this is something that I'll have to pay attention for. Great show as always! Cheers!
I can't wait till i can find this on the regular!
Hers my take…I do prefer cask strength as the flavor is just better. However, I don’t like too high proof. What do I mean? For me, proof 97-116 is ideal and of that is at barrel proof due to low entry point, even better!
Great review
I feel the proof above 100 adds some nuance to the flavors by accentuating what is there, makes me pay attention to it. Usually bourbons below 95 ish proof tastes a little lighter than I like.
I enjoy the 90 proof wheated but the straight bourbon is just not good to me and comes in last when we do blinds. With that said, I am hesitant to buy the Full Proof and have passed on a strength store pick. Still up in the air about buying it.
Great to see another review out. Been too long
Cask strength is where the flavor is! 👍🏼
Cask Strength - Less burn and more flavor for me. This stuff got better for me after it was opened a couple of weeks.
Fred I'm with you on that black licorice, can't get enough of the quality, genuine stuff.
I wish they would make some black licorice pop tarts..lol
They do it right! Its good stuff.
I’ve been into bourbon for a few years so the proof doesn’t bother me any more. The low proof stuff just seems to be too light on the palate and the flavors are muted. I much enjoy the cask stuff to get those full flavors.
Love everything Bardstown!
I must have a bad batch. My bottle is very astringent, tastes like band aids, and forced aging. I also picked up the wheated bourbon, and it is damned good. I see so many positive reviews of the full proof. Not sure what is up with the bottle I purchased, bummer.
Great review. I love a caramel bomb
Thanks Fred.
To me, Black licorice reminds me of Jäegermeister 😂🥃😂🥃
Green river wheat is pretty good and I can get it all day long I want to try the rye but need a review!! Hint hint
Intense flavor is what I go for.
Well, like in a good wine, especially reds... finish is a big selling point for me. A good wine has a nice nose, and a robust palate, and it might fizzle on the finish... it's the addition of the lasting flavorful finish that makes a good wine become great... for me. From my experience, 100 proof plus bourbon has a finish. Does that mean all of it's good? No. Just having a finish isn't enough to make it great, but not having a finish at all... is also not enough to make it great... for me... personally...
TMI Fred stay on topic, the whiskey.
Love a good value purchase!
Seen for 45 today, wanted a review before purchase
Nailed this review. And nails in the coffin for the overhyped overpriced stuff out there. Revolution 😂😂😂
cask strength is full flavor.
Shout out to the TENNESSEE VOLS, 2024 MCWS CHAMPIONS!!!!! Home SWEET Home!!!!! GO VOLS!
Might have to give it another shot. Their bourbon (not cask strength) from a couple years ago had too much funk for me.
Wish Green River was out here.
Black licorice ☠️☠️
When green river gets to be 10yrs old. Game over
having tried this too, I agree with all of your tasting notes on this. I really enjoy how oily it is on the palette.
A store near me got a 5 year 123 proof Green River pick in today, but honestly, I think im just gonna get another Green River full proof for $10 less. Maybe the store pick is better, but I know that Full Proof is deeeeelicious for $50. Cheers!
Hope I can find in Ohio or somewhere close by in my travels.
Low proof waters down flavor so I don’t drink it. I need all the flavor
63 with tax in Ohio as of today
My bottle just arrived in the mail yesterday. Can't wait.
BIN $400 George T Stagg
Baseball player eh? So you have been out standing in your field for years!😜
will you be here all day? LOL