Country music star Dierks Bentley is introducing his first whiskey, ROW 94, made at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro. A 94-proof whiskey aged for 4 years, ROW 94 pays tribute to the start of Bentley’s music career.
Bentley said that using only “three ingredients and the truth,” ROW 94 reflects his dream to create a bourbon that he and his fans can enjoy “on the big nights and everyday gatherings.”
Made with 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted and row barley, ROW 94 is a 94-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged for 4 years in new white oak barrels with a level 4 char “that penetrates deep into the staves for greater complexity and character,” according to a release.
The release continues, saying “It boasts heavy notes of vanilla and toffee to start with a subtle green apple flavor underneath. The whiskey finishes with hints of honey and tobacco.”
“A lot of years of thinking, researching, and trying different whiskeys went into creating ROW 94,” Bentley said. “It’s been an evolution — from drinking basically any whiskey handed to me back in college, to it becoming something I enjoy tasting and sharing with friends. I knew I wanted 94 proof because I like some bite, and that I wanted it aged for at least 4 years since that’s when it starts to taste best to me. ROW 94 is a serious whiskey that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I’m glad we finally get to share it.”
ROW 94 is distilled at Green River Distilling Co., founded in 1885 and renowned as the 10th-oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky.
“Through the process, I visited a lot of distilleries and we ended up partnering with one of the greatest in Kentucky,” Bentley said. “It’s been so much fun to be part of the ‘backstage crew’ and learn what it takes from start to finish and get to know the people who work there. It’s a uniquely American process in a lot of ways.”
Mark Erwin, CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River, said Bentley’s passion for whiskey and doing things the right way was evident from the first time they met.
“He loves the Green River Distillery and wanted it to be the home for ROW 94,” Erwin said. “We are excited to be partnering with him and his team on this great brand and look forward to seeing what they can do with this great liquid.”
ROW 94 is named in part for the year Bentley moved to Nashville and began his journey into storytelling and entertaining, as well as Nashville’s Music Row, where he still resides with his family. The brand logo is the thunderbird, a symbol near and dear to Bentley’s heart as it graced his landmark album, “Riser.”
ROW 94 is a ROW 94 ($39.99/750ml) will first be available in Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Colorado, and Arizona, with additional states slated for 2025. It is also available nationwide for purchase at ROW94whiskey.com.
