Country music has always been about telling stories, hitting the road, and sharing a drink with good company. Now, one of its biggest stars is adding his own chapter to that tale. Dierks Bentley, the guy behind hits like "Drunk on a Plane" and "What Was I Thinkin'," has teamed up with U.S. Beverage to bring his ROW 94 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to more folks across the country. This partnership is set to spread the word—and the bottles—farther than ever, making it easier for fans to grab a taste of what Bentley calls his dream whiskey.
It all started back in September 2024 when ROW 94 first hit the shelves. The name itself tells a story: "ROW" nods to Nashville's famous Music Row, that stretch of studios and bars where country legends are made. And "94"? That's the year Bentley really got hooked on country music, back when he was just a young guy discovering the sounds that would shape his life. He wanted to create something real, something that captures that spirit without all the extras. So, he headed to Owensboro, Kentucky, home of the historic Green River Distilling Co., where they've been making whiskey the old-fashioned way for generations.
Bentley didn't go in there with a bunch of fancy ideas. He kept it simple, sticking to just three ingredients: top-notch grain, clean Kentucky limestone water that's famous for its purity, and yeast that's been carefully grown for the job. That's it—no shortcuts, no additives. It's a nod to the straightforward life many guys know, where hard work and good basics get you through. The team at Green River worked side by side with Bentley to craft this bourbon, turning those simple parts into something smooth and full of character.
Digging into the details, ROW 94's recipe—or mash bill, as the pros call it—breaks down to 70% corn grown right there in Kentucky, 21% rye for that spicy kick, and 9% malted and raw barley to round it out. They age it for four solid years in brand-new white oak barrels that get a heavy char, level 4 to be exact. That deep char pulls out more flavors, giving the whiskey layers of complexity without overwhelming the drinker. At 94 proof, it's got enough strength to stand up on its own, whether you're sipping it neat after a long day in the garage or mixing it into a classic old fashioned while grilling out back.
And the price won't break the bank—suggested retail is just $39.99 a bottle. That's a solid deal for something this authentic, especially when you think about all the care that goes into it. Right now, you can find ROW 94 in a bunch of states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. With this new deal, expect it to show up in even more spots soon, making it a go-to for guys who appreciate a good pour without the hunt.
The partnership with U.S. Beverage came at just the right time. U.S. Beverage, or USB as they're known in the industry, is a big player in getting drinks out to stores and bars. They're based out of Stamford, Connecticut, and focus on everything from imported beers and craft ciders to specialty spirits like this one. They've built up a network over almost 30 years, with connections that help brands like ROW 94 reach new markets fast and smart.
Justin Fisch, the CEO at USB, couldn't hide his excitement in the announcement. He talked about how ROW 94 stands out because it's backed by a real country music heavyweight and a top-notch distilling crew. Joining forces with USB's spirits division means Bentley and his team get all the tools they need—marketing muscle, distribution channels, the works. Fisch put it plain: this is the quickest way to grow, and they're pumped to help take ROW 94 to bigger heights.
On the other side, Miles Scully, who's the managing partner for ROW 94, echoed that sentiment. Since the launch, the whiskey has caught on quick with both whiskey drinkers and country music lovers. Fans are sharing stories of cracking open a bottle at tailgates or backyard bonfires, toasting to Bentley's tunes. Scully said expanding made sense, and picking a partner like USB was a no-brainer because they bring the know-how and contacts right from the start.
What makes ROW 94 special isn't just the taste—it's the whole vibe. Bentley describes it as "Three Ingredients and The Truth," a phrase that hits home for anyone who's ever valued honesty in their work or their whiskey. He dreamed up this bourbon for those big moments, like celebrating a win at the fishing hole or raising a glass after a tough week on the job. But it's also for the everyday stuff: kicking back on the porch with buddies, maybe with some classic country playing in the background. It's about amplifying that down-home feeling we all carry, the one that connects us to our roots.
Green River Distilling Co. adds its own layer of history here. Sitting in Owensboro, it's one of those places where tradition runs deep. The distillery has been around for ages, using that same limestone water that gives Kentucky bourbons their edge. Partnering with them wasn't random; Bentley wanted folks who know the craft inside out, who could turn his vision into a bottle that feels right in your hand.
For guys who've spent years building their own collections of spirits, ROW 94 fits right in. It's not some flashy celebrity gimmick—it's a genuine Kentucky straight bourbon that holds its own against the classics. Picture this: you're out in the workshop, tools scattered around, and you pour a couple fingers into a glass. The aroma hits with notes of caramel and oak from that char, maybe a hint of vanilla from the corn. Take a sip, and the rye brings a subtle spice that warms you up without biting too hard. It's balanced, approachable, the kind of whiskey that invites another pour.
And let's not forget the country music tie-in. Bentley's been a staple on the radio for decades, cranking out songs that speak to life on the road, heartbreak, and good times. ROW 94 feels like an extension of that—something to pair with his albums or any country playlist. Imagine firing up "Somewhere on a Beach" while mixing a bourbon and cola, or savoring it straight during a live concert stream. It's got that same energy: fun, real, and unpretentious.
U.S. Beverage's role goes beyond just selling bottles. They're all about supporting independent brands, whether it's craft beers from small breweries or spirits like this. Their team handles the logistics, from getting product to warehouses to working with retailers. For a new whiskey like ROW 94, that means less hassle and more focus on what matters: making great bourbon and connecting with fans.
As this partnership rolls out, keep an eye on how ROW 94 grows. More states could join the list, and who knows—maybe special editions or events tied to Bentley's tours. For now, it's about getting that bottle into the hands of more people who get it, who understand why a simple whiskey can mean so much.
In a world full of choices, ROW 94 stands out by keeping things true. It's a reminder that sometimes the best things come from sticking to basics, much like a well-worn pair of boots or a favorite fishing spot. Dierks Bentley poured his heart into this, and with U.S. Beverage on board, it's poised to become a staple for anyone who loves country living and a good dram.
If you're curious to try it, check out row94whiskey.com for more details, or swing by unitedstatesbeverage.com to learn about the company behind the push. Whether you're a longtime whiskey fan or just dipping your toe in, ROW 94 might just become your new favorite way to unwind.
