Bourbon Reviews, Distillery News and Information
Green River Distilling Co. Honors U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary with Commemorative Whiskey ‘First Sip’ Ceremony
Green River Distilling Co. commemorated the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with a dramatic “first sip” ceremony featuring a Veteran parachute team delivering the first bottle of its limited-edition Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon to a group of veterans and active-duty Army waiting on the ground. Released at 111.1 proof in a nod to Veteran's Day - November 11. “This whiskey is a salute to 250 years of courage, commitment and sacrifice,” said Col. (ret.) Mark Erwin, CEO of Green River’s parent company, Lofted Spirits. “As both a veteran and a leader in American whiskey, it’s an honor to raise a glass to the U.S. Army and the millions who have served to defend the freedom we cherish.” A portion of proceeds will directly enhance quality of life for soldiers and their families including programs that support wellbeing, sports, fitness, libraries, entertainment and recreation.
Press Release
Green River Distilling Co. Honors U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary with Commemorative Whiskey ‘First Sip’ Ceremony
Veteran Parachute Team Delivers the First Bottle and Toasts the “Drop” of the Official Bourbon of the U.S. Army
Read our full review of the Green River US Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon!
Raeford, NC (June 12, 2025) — Green River Distilling Co. debuted the official bourbon of the Army’s 250th Anniversary with an exciting first-of-its-kind new product “drop” from thousands of feet in the air.
The ‘first sip‘ ceremony featured an all-Veteran parachute team catapulting through the sky to deliver the first bottle to a group of veterans and active-duty Army waiting on the ground. Followed by a ceremonial toast led by retired U.S. Army Colonel and Lofted Spirits CEO, Mark Erwin, this marquee moment marked the debut of Green River’s limited-edition U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon – the official whiskey honoring this historic milestone.
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Commemorative Bourbon Honors Army Heritage
Presented at an Army Strong 111.1 Proof (55.55% alc. by vol.) in a nod to Veteran’s Day (November 11), Green River’s Army 250th Anniversary whiskey is available online, at military bases and physical retail locations throughout the country, and at Green River’s homeplaces in Owensboro and Louisville. Suggested retail price is $49.99.
“This whiskey is a salute to 250 years of courage, commitment and sacrifice,” said Col. (ret.) Mark Erwin, CEO of Green River’s parent company, Lofted Spirits. “As both a veteran and a leader in American whiskey, it’s an honor to raise a glass to the U.S. Army and the millions who have served to defend the freedom we cherish.”
Supporting Veterans and Families
A portion of proceeds will directly enhance quality of life for soldiers and their families including programs that support wellbeing, sports, fitness, libraries, entertainment and recreation. Lofted Spirits annually contributes to a number of charitable causes that support and honor the Armed Forces including The Special Operations Warrior Foundation, the Special Operations Fund, USA Cares and the Bardstown-Nelson County Veterans Memorial.
Symbolism and Celebration
The release embodies the spirit of American independence – both fighting for freedom and establishing America’s distinct way of doing things. Presented in Green River’s iconic horseshoe bottle, but displaying the Army’s colors and history, this limited-edition expression celebrates an enduring tribute to the deep bond between America’s military and one of its most storied whiskeys.
All-Veteran Group Makes “First Drop” Possible
The official “product drop” was made possible by the All Veteran Group parachute team, an independently owned and operated organization comprised of active duty, retired military, patriotic Americans, and their families conducting parachute demonstrations nationwide.
Information about the product and availability can be found at Green River Distilling Celebrates US Army’s 250th Anniversary with Commemorative Whiskey Release and https://army250.greenriverwhiskey.com/.
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About the author: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.
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