Country music’s beloved storyteller Riley Green has taken a bold step beyond the stage with the launch of his own bourbon brand, Duck Club Bourbon — a spirits line that reflects his passion for the outdoors, tradition, and community. In an exclusive interview, Green shares the personal inspiration behind the brand, his hands‑on role in crafting the whiskey, and his vision for how Duck Club fits into both his lifestyle and the larger spirits market.
This comprehensive guide explores everything about Duck Club Bourbon: from its origins and flavor profiles to its connection with outdoor conservation and Green’s authentic voice in shaping the product.
Table of Contents
- The Birth of Duck Club Bourbon: Roots & Inspiration
- The Bourbon Portfolio: Flavor Profiles Worth Savoring
- Behind the Brand: Green’s Role in Development
- Authenticity & Outdoor Heritage
- Supporting Conservation: Giving Back with Every Bottle
- Market Context: Bourbon Trends & Growth
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
1. The Birth of Duck Club Bourbon: Roots & Inspiration
For Riley Green, Duck Club Bourbon isn’t a typical celebrity spirit created for a quick brand extension. It grew organically out of his lifelong connection to the outdoors — especially waterfowl hunting — and the friends, stories, and traditions that come with that lifestyle.
Green explains that Duck Club isn’t rooted in a marketing boardroom, but in real‑life experiences: early mornings at the duck blind, evenings around the campfire, and the sense of camaraderie shared among outdoor enthusiasts. He wanted something that felt natural to that world — not just another celebrity label.
This personal philosophy sets Duck Club apart from many spirits in the crowded celebrity whiskey category, laying the foundation for a brand that resonates not only with his fans but with bourbon lovers and outdoorsmen alike.
2. The Bourbon Portfolio: Flavor Profiles Worth Savoring
Duck Club Bourbon launched with two distinct expressions, each designed for different palates and drinking moments:
- Duck Club Bourbon (92 proof): A four‑grain blend combining whiskeys aged 5–6 years from Kentucky and Indiana. This expression features maple‑like aromas, brown sugar, toasted oak, and a silky mouthfeel — characteristics typically found in bourbons at much higher price points.
- Duck Club “High Brass” (110 proof): A bolder blend of 5–8‑year bourbons that enhances spice notes with prominent rye and cardamom, offering depth and complexity while remaining approachable for broader whiskey drinkers.
Priced competitively at around $30 and $40, these bourbons aim to deliver premium quality without premium cost — an achievement that appeals to both casual drinkers and seasoned collectors.
3. Behind the Brand: Green’s Role in Development
Unlike many celebrity spirits that serve as a celebrity’s name slapped on a label, Green was intimately involved in developing Duck Club from the earliest stages. He participated in tastings, spoke directly with blender teams, and helped shape the flavor profiles to reflect his own palate — smooth, balanced, and authentic to how he enjoys bourbon.
“My involvement wasn’t superficial,” Green told Forbes. “From tasting to blending, I wanted to make sure it reflected my own standards — something smooth and approachable that still has depth.”
This level of personal investment ensures that Duck Club isn’t just a marketing exercise — it’s a reflection of Green’s values, tastes, and lifestyle.
4. Authenticity & Outdoor Heritage
At its core, Duck Club Bourbon is a celebration of authentic outdoor life. Green’s fanbase knows him as much for songs that capture rural traditions, small‑town stories, and outdoor pursuits as for his chart‑topping hits. Aligning a bourbon with those themes wasn’t just organic — it was purposeful.
Green says that whiskey has always been part of the end‑of‑day ritual among friends after a hunt or outdoor adventure. Duck Club Bourbon aims to bottle that feeling — the sense of connection, reflection, and shared experience — without compromising safety or responsibility.
This alignment of lifestyle and product helps Duck Club resonate not only with fans but with those who value heritage, simplicity, and authenticity.
5. Supporting Conservation: Giving Back with Every Bottle
Duck Club Bourbon’s vision extends beyond the bottle. The brand has partnered with leading conservation organizations supporting outdoor habitat preservation, donating barrels of whiskey and proceeds to fund efforts crucial to sustaining hunting and wildlife environments.
In just a few months since launch, tens of thousands of dollars have been directed toward these causes — reinforcing that Duck Club is not just about selling spirits but about giving back to the environments and communities that shape the lifestyle it celebrates.
6. Market Context: Bourbon Trends & Growth
Despite a saturated spirits market and competitive bourbon landscape, American whiskey remains strong — with recent industry data showing that U.S. whiskey sales stayed above $5 billion in 2025, buoyed by brands offering value, quality, and story‑driven identities.
Duck Club Bourbon fits this trend perfectly: affordable yet premium tasting, rooted in story and lifestyle, and aligned with emerging consumer demand for niche spirits that reflect authenticity and heritage.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Duck Club Bourbon different from other celebrity‑owned spirits?
A: Duck Club Bourbon is rooted in Riley Green’s real outdoor experiences and personal whiskey preferences, with direct involvement in blending and community‑focused partnerships.
Q: Where can I buy Duck Club Bourbon?
A: Initially launched in select Southern states, Duck Club Bourbon is expanding to a broader national availability in 2026 and can be purchased online in many states.
Q: Does the brand support any causes?
A: Yes — Duck Club Bourbon partners with conservation organizations, donating proceeds and barrels to outdoor habitat preservation.
Q: What are the flavor characteristics of Duck Club Bourbon?
A: The flagship expression offers smooth, balanced notes of maple, brown sugar, and oak, while the High Brass variant delivers bolder spice notes with rye and cardamom influence.
8. Conclusion
With Duck Club Bourbon, Riley Green has crafted more than a spirit — he’s created a product that embodies his values, his lifestyle, and his connection to the outdoors. From hands‑on development and meaningful conservation partnerships to exceptional flavor at an accessible price point, Duck Club represents a genuine and well‑positioned entry into the bourbon market.
For fans of country music, outdoor living, and quality bourbon alike, Duck Club Bourbon offers something that tastes like tradition — and feels like home.
