Country music star Dierks Bentley returned to Owensboro on Wednesday to debut the newest expression of his bourbon line, ROW 94, during an event at Green River Distilling Co.
The latest release, ROW 94 Full Proof, is a bolder, higher-octane version of Bentley’s signature bourbon. Barreled at 120 proof and aged a minimum of four years, the uncut expression is made from the same mash bill as earlier releases — 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted and raw barley. It is priced at $54.99 and available nationwide and online.
“During the development of our ROW 94 bourbon, I tasted it at full proof, and I instantly knew we had something special,” Bentley said. “There’s something raw and powerful about the uncut experience that really stuck with me. I love our flagship bourbon at 94 proof, but I’ve been looking forward to sharing this 120 proof expression with our fans ever since.”
Bentley said the inspiration for starting his own bourbon brand grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, when touring slowed and he finally had time to explore the industry. He partnered with his longtime friend Miles Scully and eventually connected with Green River.
“This place just felt like home,” Bentley said. “I love the grit, the history, and the people here. It all came together in such an organic way, and that turned into a business.”
Justin Willett, vice president of operations for Lofted Spirits, said the Green River team worked closely with Bentley to shape the brand and expand its reach.
“We make a lot of great whiskey here, but what makes ROW 94 stand out is the proof and the story behind it,” Willett said. “Dirks and the team spent about a year going back and forth on how to make this one unique, and we landed on the 94 proof flagship and now this Full Proof expression.”
The Full Proof expression has already earned early recognition, picking up a gold medal in Fred Minnick’s 2025 Ascot Awards. Tasting notes include vanilla, fresh tobacco, leather, and subtle clove on the nose, with honey sweetness on the palate and hints of raisins, black pepper, and smoky oak that transform into toffee and dark chocolate.
For Bentley, the bourbon is about more than flavor. He said the project reflects the values of country music — grit, resilience, and authenticity.
“I’m not a scientist or a blender,” Bentley said. “For me, it comes down to how it tastes and the people making it. That’s what I think fans want to know, that there’s a story behind it and it’s made the right way by the right people.”
ROW 94 was first launched in 2024 and quickly gained traction. The brand has since added expressions like Broken Branches Bourbon, with more in development. Bentley said his focus is on keeping the whiskey approachable.
“I wanted something that works in a red Solo cup just as much as a rocks glass,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s a working man’s whiskey.”
