Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by 5e2793

Arka Valley Liquor Releases a New Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel (117.8 Proof) — Full Breakdown & Deep History

Arka Valley Liquor has once again delivered a standout release for Arkansas bourbon fans. Today’s new arrival is a Green River Wheated Bourbon – Sour Mash, Single Barrel, Cask Strength selection bottled at 117.8 proof.

This latest store pick taps into the explosive popularity of Green River Distilling Co., one of Kentucky’s oldest and most historically rich distilleries, now rapidly expanding under new ownership and renewed national visibility.

Below is a full breakdown of every detail of this barrel, what each term means, and a deep historical journey through the Green River brand.

Green River Wheated Bourbon – What Each Detail Means

Wheated Bourbon

A wheated bourbon replaces rye with wheat as the secondary grain in the mash bill.
This usually creates:

• A sweeter, softer flavor profile
• Notes of honey, baked bread, vanilla, and pastry
• A smoother mouthfeel with less spice

Wheated bourbons like Weller, Maker’s Mark, Larceny, and various Green River releases are popular for their crowd-pleasing sweetness and balance. This barrel pick from Arka Valley likely leans heavily into caramel, fruit, and bakery-style notes.

Sour Mash

“Sour mash” refers to a fermentation method where part of a previous batch is added to the next.
Benefits include:

• Consistent flavor from batch to batch
• Controlled pH levels
• Smoother, more stable fermentation
• Reduced bacterial contamination

Nearly all major Kentucky distilleries use the sour mash method today. Green River is no exception — and their sour mash wheated bourbon is known for its smoothness and approachability.

Single Barrel

“Single barrel” means that every bottle comes from one specific barrel rather than being blended from multiple barrels.

Effects:

• Each barrel is unique
• Flavor profile varies widely
• More intensity and character
• True one-of-a-kind profile

This barrel chosen by Arka Valley Liquor will never be replicated — making it a true collectible for Arkansas bourbon fans.

Cask Strength

“Cask strength” (sometimes called barrel proof) means the bourbon is not diluted with water prior to bottling.

Benefits:

• Higher proof
• More intense and layered flavors
• Ability to add your own water or ice to taste

Cask strength bourbon allows the drinker to experience the whiskey the way it existed inside the barrel.

117.8 Proof

This barrel came out at 117.8 proof (58.9% ABV) — a mid-range cask strength level for a wheated bourbon.

This proof point often delivers:

• Rich sweetness
• Strong vanilla and caramel
• A warming finish
• Fuller mouthfeel without overwhelming heat

It’s strong, but still very drinkable — the sweet wheelhouse for wheated bourbon fans.

About Green River Distilling Co. — Deep Historical Overview

Founded in 1885 — The Original Green River Era

Green River Distillery was founded in 1885 in Owensboro, Kentucky by Colonel J.W. McCulloch.
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, the brand had become world famous and widely exported.

Key historical notes:

• One of the first Kentucky bourbons to be heavily advertised internationally
• Famous for the slogan “The Whiskey Without Regrets”
• Bottled under one of the earliest federally registered trademarks
• Heavily awarded in international competitions

Green River was so well-known that counterfeiters frequently attempted to copy the brand.

The Fire of 1918

In 1918, the original distillery burned in a devastating fire.
The whiskey stored on-site was nearly all destroyed, and the brand never fully recovered before Prohibition arrived.

For decades after Prohibition, the distillery changed hands, went dormant, and lost much of its original presence.

Revival and Rebirth as O.Z. Tyler (2014–2020)

In 2014, new investors restored the old distillery and reopened under the name O.Z. Tyler Distillery.
While the early focus included rapid-aging technologies, the facility eventually shifted to traditional barrel aging, laying the foundation for a return to historic branding.

Return of the Green River Name (2020–2022)

In 2020, the distillery officially revived the Green River name, reconnecting with its historic roots.

Changes included:

• Traditional Kentucky aging and mash bills
• Classic branding inspired by 19th-century labels
• Premium positioned products
• A renewed focus on quality wheated and high-rye bourbons

The new flagship Green River releases gained national attention almost immediately.

Acquisition by Bardstown Bourbon Company (2022–Present)

In July 2022, Bardstown Bourbon Company acquired Green River Distilling Co.

Who is Bardstown Bourbon Company?

• One of the fastest-growing whiskey producers in the U.S.
• Known for contract distilling, innovation, and ultra-premium blends
• Operates major production hubs in Bardstown and Owensboro

The merging of Bardstown’s resources with Green River’s heritage dramatically accelerated Green River’s national distribution and quality consistency.

Current Ownership

Green River Distilling Co. is owned by Bardstown Bourbon Company, which itself is owned by Pernod Ricard, one of the largest spirits companies in the world.

This means Green River is now backed by:

• Global distribution power
• Massive financial investments
• World-class blending and distilling talent

Yet the brand still proudly highlights its Owensboro roots and traditional Kentucky heritage.

Why Green River Store Picks Are Becoming Highly Sought After

Green River is in a unique position:

• Historic brand with renewed legitimacy
• Strong ownership and financial backing
• Traditional Kentucky flavor profiles
• Approachable price points
• High consistency barrel to barrel
• Major expansion into wheated bourbon

Store picks like this one from Arka Valley Liquor give Arkansas whiskey fans a taste of Green River’s best barrels before they hit wider national attention.

Side-by-Side Feature Summary

Conclusion

Arka Valley Liquor’s new Green River Wheated Bourbon Single Barrel (117.8 Proof) is an exciting release with historical depth, modern quality, and the signature sweetness of a beautifully made wheated bourbon.

With Green River quickly becoming one of Kentucky’s most talked-about revived brands, this Arkansas store pick offers enthusiasts a chance to own a unique piece of the brand’s ongoing resurgence.

If you’re a collector — or just a fan of excellent wheated bourbon — this one is worth grabbing while it lasts.