Whiskey Review: Green River 250th U.S. Army Special Anniversary Bourbon

Introduction

We’re excited for this one: Green River’s 250th Anniversary Special Release honoring the United States Army. This is a four-year age-stated bourbon that also includes up to seven-year-old whiskey in the blend. The mash bill is 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley. Bottled at 111.1 proof, it retails for $49.99.

We love Green River: between the quality of their regular lineup and the value they deliver, they’ve built a reputation that’s hard to beat—without ever feeling like “bargain bin” whiskey.

Nose

Bob: Honestly, the first thing I’m getting is ethanol. It’s a little more alcohol-forward than their typical releases. Now, it’s almost barrel proof here, but we’ve had their full proof many times and I think that has a little more character. This just leans more alcohol-forward. There’s a bit of minerality here too, almost like mineral water. If this were in a blind, I’d give it 6.5/10 on the nose.

Brad: The more I sit with it, the more I get an apple chip vibe, like the wood chips you use for grilling. There’s a bit of cinnamon, some brown sugar, and it edges toward apple pie. Not overwhelmingly complex, but the notes that are there are really nice. I’ll give it 7/10.

Taste

Bob: That apple note really comes through. Right up front, it’s like Mott’s apple juice, then it develops into more of a red apple peel. There’s nutmeg and clove—definitely an apple pie in a glass—but it stays more earthy than sweet. I like it quite a bit. It’s a step up from the nose. I’ll give it 7.5/10.

Brad: I’m right there with you, 7.5/10. Full-bodied apple, cinnamon, brown sugar, a little flaky pastry vibe. It’s a good showcase of what Green River can do.

Finish

Bob: The minerality is still there on the finish. It’s long-lasting, not overly sweet, not bitter, not medicinal, just super pleasant. I think this is a good, right-down-the-middle bourbon. 7.5/10.

Brad: I’ll give it 7/10. It doesn’t last quite as long as I’d like, but the flavors stick around nicely and the length is enough to make me enjoy it.

Balance

Bob: Now that I’ve had it, I understand why the nose was muted. There’s no major spike or drop; it’s consistent from start to finish. 7.5/10.

Brad: Same, 7.5/10. Everything works together, nothing out of place.

Value

Brad: At $50, I’ll give it 7/10. It’s a unique offering, a fun one-off celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, and Green River just makes good whiskey.

Bob: For a special release at this price, it’s rare to see that kind of restraint. Even if this were just a regular Green River bottle at $50, I’d still think it’s worth it. 8/10.

Final Scores

Bob: 37/50
Brad: 36/50

This is a solid, above-average whiskey that’s worth grabbing, especially if you have any connection to the U.S. Army. At 35/50, we typically recommend trying a pour at a bar or grabbing a bottle to share. A 40/50 is great, and 45/50 is excellent, so these scores place it comfortably above average. Here, the story, value, and Green River’s consistent quality make it a smart buy.