The Honey Whiskey Category Just Got a Wake-Up Call: Green River Unveils 100% Real Honey-Finished Bourbon

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Home » Bourbon Blog » Bourbon and Whiskey News » The Honey Whiskey Category Just Got a Wake-Up Call: Green River Unveils 100% Real Honey-Finished Bourbon

OWENSBORO, KY (May 12, 2026) — Green River Distilling Co., the westernmost outpost of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™, is disrupting the honey whiskey category with the launch of Green River Honey Finished Bourbon. Unlike the heavily sweetened liqueur blends that dominate the market, Green River is using 100% real, local honey and a barrel-finishing process to deliver a 92-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon with no artificial additives.

Green River Honey begins as four-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. A custom blend of raw, unfiltered honey—sourced via a partnership with the Kentucky Proud™ Above the Dirt Garden and Honey Shop—is added directly into the barrel. This allows the bourbon and honey to marry naturally through barrel interaction rather than post-production blending.

“For too long, honey whiskey has been defined by shortcuts,” said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits. “‘Natural flavors’ aren’t always as natural as they claim to be. Green River Honey is changing that – putting our money into real, natural honey and Kentucky Straight Bourbon.”

“Green River Honey goes to work behind the bar,” said Caryn Wells, National Brand Ambassador. “The high proof and real honey finish give cocktails structure without overpowering them. It makes a perfect Gold Rush with just lemon and a shake.”

Green River Honey will be available nationwide beginning May 15, 2026, with a suggested retail price of $24.99 per 750mL bottle.

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