About
Green River Distilling Co. is a revived Kentucky bourbon landmark in Owensboro, built on a historic distilling site that has produced whiskey on this ground since 1885. The campus feels like “real bourbon country” rather than a staged attraction: a working distillery spread across a large footprint, a visitor center designed for relaxed tastings, and a cocktail lounge where you can slow down with a flight or a signature pour. It’s an easy stop to build around, too, because Owensboro adds a different flavor to a Kentucky bourbon trip, with riverfront parks, bluegrass history, and that laid-back western Kentucky pace. Green River also has a second, more urban visitor touchpoint on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville, giving travelers two very different ways to experience the brand.
History
Green River was founded in 1885, making it one of Kentucky’s oldest registered distilleries and a name that helped shape the state’s straight bourbon identity long before bourbon tourism became a mainstream travel plan. Like many legacy whiskey sites, its story includes major shifts across decades, from changing ownership and industry consolidation to interruptions and reinvention, with the Owensboro campus ultimately returning to prominence as a restored, active distillery. In its modern chapter, the distillery entered a new ownership era in 2022 when it was acquired by Bardstown Bourbon Company, bringing Green River into a larger Kentucky whiskey platform focused on production, innovation, and growth. Today, Green River operates under Lofted Spirits, the parent company that unites Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling Co.
Notoriety
Green River is widely known as “The Whiskey Without Regrets,” a tagline that matches the brand’s clean, confident style and its focus on approachable, well-structured Kentucky bourbon. For visitors, the notoriety shows up in the experience lineup: classic distillery tours across a large working campus, a seated “Sit and Sip” tasting that highlights the house profile, and a barrel-thieving option that brings you closer to the liquid and the process. The distillery also stands out because it offers both a heritage-heavy experience in Owensboro and a modern cocktail-forward experience in downtown Louisville, which makes it a strong fit for travelers who want variety in their bourbon itinerary.
experiences
Cocktail Classes
Duration:
N/A
Price:
$60
Green River Distilling Co. teaches about the spirit, tools and techniques used to make two of their signature cocktails.
Tours & Tastings
Duration:
N/A
Price:
$14 - $140
Green River blends a working distillery tour and guided tasting with a historic Owensboro campus.
amenities
Cocktail Bar
Event Spaces
Gift Shop
Scenic Location
Special Events
nearby
Distilleries
Rhythm River Distillery
General George Still House
Western Kentucky Distilling
Things To Do
Smothers Park and Owensboro River Front
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Owensboro Museum of Science and History
Food & Drink
Big Whiskey
Callas Tavern & Restaurant
City Walk of Owensboro
Stay
Hampton Inn Owensboro Waterfront
Holiday Inn Owensboro Waterfront
Wingate by Wyndham