Dierks Bentley releases Row 94 whiskey
Country music star Dierks Bentley has teamed up with Kentucky's Green River Distilling on the launch of a new Bourbon brand in the US.
Row 94 was distilled at Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky, from a mash of 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted and row barley. It is aged for four years in barrels with a level four char. “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.” Bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof), Row 94 is a Kentucky straight Bourbon and will be available in Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Colorado, and Arizona for US$40, with additional states to be added in 2025. “I knew I wanted 94 proof because I like some bite, and that I wanted it aged for at least four years since that’s when it starts to taste best to me,” Bentley added. “Row 94 is a serious whiskey that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I’m glad we finally get to share it.” The whiskey is characterised by heavy notes of vanilla and toffee, with subtle green apple flavours beneath, and hints of honey and tobacco on the finish. In addition to its proof, the whiskey’s name is a reference to the year Bentley moved to Nashville. Bentley says he wanted to create a Bourbon that he and his fans could enjoy on big nights and everyday gatherings. “Through the process, I visited a lot of distilleries and we ended up partnering with one of the greatest in Kentucky,” Bentley explained. “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.” Bentley is known for songs like Drunk on a Plane, What Was I Thinkin’, and Beers on Me. Mark Erwin, CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River says that the musician's passion for whiskey and doing things the right way was evident from their first meeting. “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.” Bentley is certainly not the first country music star to launch a spirits brand. In 2022, Brad Paisley launched American Highway whiskey, while Thomas Rhett has his own Tequila line under the Dos Primos name.
