Dierks Bentley launches Row 94 whiskey in Owensboro, Kentucky

Dierks Bentley has ventured into the whiskey business with the launch of Row 94 Whiskey, a Kentucky straight bourbon produced at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky. This initiative began during the pandemic when Bentley took the time to explore the world of whiskey more deeply, moving beyond his previous casual approach to drinking. He sought to create a bourbon that would resonate with his personal tastes and values, emphasizing authenticity and quality. The bourbon is crafted with a mashbill consisting of 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley. It is aged for four years in new white oak barrels with a level-four char, resulting in a product that is both robust and sweet. Bentley's goal was to create a whiskey that not only appeals to his palate but also to that of his wife, balancing strength with sweetness. Row 94 Whiskey is bottled at 94 proof and features a flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla, caramel, toffee, and baking spices, complemented by a fresh fruit quality. The bourbon is set to launch in select states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Colorado, and Arizona, making it accessible to a wide audience. Bentley draws parallels between the craft of making bourbon and his career in country music, highlighting the importance of focusing on one project at a time. He expresses satisfaction with the creation of Row 94 Whiskey, indicating that he will enjoy it both publicly and privately, regardless of its commercial success.