Raeford, NC (June 12, 2025) —Green River Distilling Co. has 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.
Presented at an Army Strong 111.1 Proof (55.55% alc. by vol.) in a nod Veteran’s Day (November 11), Green River’s Army 250th Anniversary whiskey will be available online, at military bases and physical retail locations throughout the country, and at Green River’s homeplaces in Owensboro and Louisville beginning June 14, 2025.
“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. 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.
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.
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 https://army250.greenriverwhiskey.com/.
ABOUT GREEN RIVER
Green River Distilling Co. is a celebration of classic Kentucky – honoring the past while staying firmly planted in the present. The 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky (DSP-KY-10), Green River is known as "the Whiskey Without Regrets," and enjoys a rich history dating back to 1885. Reintroduced in 2022, Green River Distilling Co. proudly calls Owensboro, Kentucky home and serves as the westernmost outpost of the Kentucky Bourbon TrailTM. Authentic and approachable, Green River offers a growing portfolio of whiskeys crafted from historic mashbills. Blended to create a smooth and welcoming taste profile, Green River Distilling Co. is a true testament to simplicity and quality going hand-in-hand. Green River is part of Lofted Spirits, one of the largest American Whiskey distillers in the U.S. For more information visit GreenRiverWhiskey.com
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Raeford, N.C. June 12, 2025
1. Wide of aircraft flying over Raeford, NC, as part of Green River Whiskey’s debut of their official bourbon of the Army’s 250th Anniversary
2. Wide of US Army veterans preparing to jump from aircraft over Raeford, NC.
3. Wide of veteran parachutists descending over Raeford, NC, in a demonstration linked to Green River Whiskey and US Army collaboration.
4. Wide of veteran parachutist descending with a U.S. Army 250th anniversary flag in Raeford, NC.
5. Wide of veteran US Army paratrooper descending with an American flag during a Green River Whiskey event in Raeford, NC.
6. Wide of veteran US Army paratrooper descending with American flag during Green River Whiskey event in Raeford, NC.
7. Wide of a veteran parachutist landing during a US Army demonstration in Raeford, NC.
8. Mid of US Army personnel interacting with retired U.S. Army Colonel and Lofted Spirits CEO, Mark Erwin in Raeford, NC.
9. Mid of retired U.S. Army Colonel and Lofted Spirits CEO, Mark Erwin with a US Army soldier in Raeford, NC.
10. Mid of a US Army officer holding a pelican case containing the first bottle of Green River’s limited-edition U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon in Raeford, NC.
11. Mid of retired U.S. Army Colonel and Lofted Spirits CEO, Mark Erwin pouring whiskey for active-duty Army personnel in Raeford, NC.
12.[00:01:33] SOUNDBITE Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Lofted Spirits CEO, Mark Erwin
From Green River Whiskey and our great friends at the All Veterans Group Parachute Team, Happy Birthday to the United States Army!
13.[00:01:40] SOUNDBITE Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Lofted Spirits CEO, Mark Erwin.
Cheers! Happy Thursday! One, two, three. Remember!
14. Mid of soldiers in Raeford, NC, shaking hands with Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Lofted Spirits CEO, Mark Erwin during a Green River Whiskey event.
15. Mid of US Army soldiers posing with Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Lofted Spirits CEO, Mark Erwin in Raeford, NC.
16.[00:01:57] SOUNDBITE Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Lofted Spirits CEO, Mark Erwin
We created this special bourbon because it meant so much to us as veterans and as representatives in partnership with the U.S. Army. We knew how special of an opportunity that was and what a requirement it was to make sure we dedicated the right effort to commemorate the service of the men and women of the United States Army. Look, I'm an Army veteran of 26 years. I lived through plenty of service, I understand the commitments that families make, and part of this product is actually the proceeds going back to the U.S. Army for the morale, welfare, and recreation support of families and servicemen and women, and that's one of the proudest things we can think of doing. We support the military in so many ways. We support veterans' organizations, but to be able to do this directly in coordination with the Army is very special for us and our team takes great pride in it at Green River Whiskey.
