Nation star Dierks Bentley got here to know bourbon the way in which many people do — by means of the haze of low-cost, bottom-shelf bottles that fueled late nights and questionable selections. It was “Effectively, nicely, whiskey,” and never a lot else. However simply as Bentley’s music matured from the carefree twang of Free and Straightforward to the heartfelt depth of Bourbon in Kentucky, so too did his appreciation for America’s native spirit.
Over time, Bentley fine-tuned extra than simply his sound — he honed his style, developed a real love for high quality bourbon, and in September 2024, launched his personal whiskey label: Row 94 Whiskey. The model debuted with a stable basis, adopted by Row 94 Damaged Branches in June 2025 — an oak stave-finished launch that confirmed Bentley was severe about nuance, not simply identify recognition.
Then got here September 2025, and with it, a full-throttle third launch: Row 94 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Distilled on the Inexperienced River Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-10) in Owensboro, Kentucky, this batch of Full Proof comes from a mix of 32 barrels — every crammed with the usual Owensboro mashbill: 70% corn, 21% winter rye, and 9% six-row malted barley.
The whiskey was barreled at 120 proof utilizing a #4 char and matured for five years and 10 months in Owensboro’s historic clay-tile rickhouses. These rickhouses, constructed within the late Thirties, had been designed for heat-cycling with giant industrial blowers — although these options are now not used, their distinctive clay tile development (initially produced by Dal-Tile in Lewisport, Kentucky) nonetheless performs a quiet however vital function in how the whiskey ages. Curiously, the particular tiles utilized in these rickhouses are now not manufactured, making every getting older season one thing of a time capsule.
When it got here time to bottle Row 94 Full Proof, Bentley and his staff stored it sincere: The whiskey was harvested at round 125 proof and proofed down simply barely — to the unique barrel-entry proof of 120. And whereas “full proof” isn’t a legally outlined time period, this bottling meets probably the most broadly accepted definition: bottled at barrel entry proof. It’s not cask power, but it surely’s shut — greater than an arbitrary marking gimmick.
That’s saying one thing, particularly on the earth of superstar whiskey. Far too many fall flat: overpriced, underwhelming, and banking on star energy as a substitute of spirit character. However Bentley approached Row 94 with a special mission: to create a bourbon he’d be proud to pour for his closest pals — no highlight wanted. When requested concerning the three expressions, Bentley admitted he enjoys all of them, however he’s particularly excited to share Row 94 Full Proof.
So let’s increase a glass to a person who as soon as sang “what was I considering,” however now is aware of precisely what he’s ingesting. Let’s dig into what Dyer’s is ingesting!
Row 94 Full Proof Bourbon Overview
Row 94 Full Proof Bourbon OverviewThe nostril begins with a quiet suggestion of honey graham crackers and a faint contact of contemporary ginger. These two notes are straightforward to determine, however their presence is comparatively gentle. After a couple of minutes within the glass, a hint of grilled peaches drifts upward, adopted by a touch of stale caramel corn. Every aroma stands by itself, but none carry a lot power. Altogether, the aroma profile feels subdued and underdelivers.
Fortunately, the tasting expertise heads in a extra dynamic course. Black licorice hits early, rapidly adopted by brandied cherries, orange zest, and a sprinkle of cardamom. The flavour is participating and develops nicely throughout the palate, carried by a medium-paced mouthfeel that provides all the pieces room to unfold.
Transferring into the end, Row 94 Full Proof takes one other flip. Leather-based and black cherry pie — with a barely scorched crust — take the lead. The darkish cherry provides a little bit of sweetness, which is properly balanced by the charred crust be aware. All of it wraps up with a clear flash of black pepper.
In the long run, Row 94 Full Proof delivers a satisfying expertise for these extra inquisitive about taste than aroma. The nostril might fall brief, however the tasting profile is the place this bourbon shines. At $54, it’s priced very fairly — particularly when in comparison with the steeper, much less justified price of the sooner Damaged Branches launch. In accord with the debut launch from Row 94, it’s good to see the Full Proof expression return to a value level that matches each its specs and its high quality. For the cash, it is a stable decide.
120 proof.
B+ / $54
Row 94 Full Proof Bourbon
USD54
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