When Green River Wheated Bourbon was named World’s Best Bourbon at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition, the recognition validated something we’ve believed for a long time: great results come from disciplined distilling decisions made early and carried through consistently.
On February 13, that same wheated mash bill will be released at barrel strength as Green River Wheated Full Proof — the first Green River release of the year and a clear example of how we approach brand building at Lofted Spirits.
Not by chasing trends.
Not by layering on story.
But by letting the liquid lead.
Listening to the Market, Then Acting Deliberately
Following the World’s Best Bourbon recognition, the most common request we heard from consumers was simple: bottle it at full proof.
Green River Wheated Full Proof answers that request without changing the underlying recipe or adding unnecessary complexity. The same wheated mashbill, fermentation approach, and aging philosophy remain intact. Select barrels are blended and bottled at full proof to deliver a more concentrated expression of the same award-winning liquid.
For us, this kind of release isn’t about reacting quickly. It’s about responding thoughtfully.
A Practical Example of Full-Proof Production Done Right
Bottling at full proof (often referred to as barrel strength) requires confidence in the underlying whiskey. There’s no dilution step to smooth over inconsistencies. The liquid has to be sound on its own.
Green River Wheated Full Proof reflects:
- Consistent fermentation and distillation practices
- Careful barrel selection and aging management
- Blending decisions made with restraint, not excess
These are the same fundamentals we apply across all Lofted Spirits operations, whether we’re developing our own brands or partnering with others through contract distilling.
Why This Matters for Contract Distilling Partners
For brands evaluating a distilling partner, releases like Green River Wheated Full Proof demonstrate what scalable, quality-first production looks like in practice.
At Green River Distilling Co., we focus on building liquids that can support multiple expressions over time (from approachable core releases to higher-proof offerings) without compromising integrity or consistency.
Awards aren’t the goal. They’re the byproduct of doing the work correctly, batch after batch.
Built for Longevity, Not One-Off Moments
Green River Wheated Full Proof launches nationwide at 109.3 proof with a suggested retail price of $49.99. It’s not a limited-edition stunt or a scarcity play. It’s a considered extension of a strong core product.
For Lofted Spirits, it also sets the tone for the year ahead: disciplined growth, thoughtful releases, and a continued focus on building brands the right way.