Redwood Empire American Whiskey

Bottle dated 8/10/2017. This is a distinct mix of American whiskeys. It includes two and three-year-old ryes alongside four, five, and eleven-year-old bourbons. Some of the whiskey is from their own Graton Distillery in California, with the remainder being sourced. An intriguing concept; let's check its execution. Nose: The bourbon and rye blend is quite evident. Caramel, vanilla, and cocoa suggest bourbon. Dill, pistachio, and dark licorice point to rye. Notes of apple, orange, toffee, cherry, and leather are present. Spicy oak, nutmeg, clove, and allspice complete a solid aroma. Palate: The rye initially appears more prominent. It has a very "grainy" character. Vanilla, dill, and black pepper come through. It's a mix of dark chocolate, mint chocolate, and those chocolate candies with raspberry filling. Cocoa and caramel are also detected. Around the middle of the palate, the bourbon characteristics begin to assert themselves. Allspice, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice emerge toward the end. The palate is well-put-together. Finish: My preferred rye notes appear: mint chocolate and pistachio. Plenty of vanilla, clove, and nutmeg are there. Most notably: Oak. It lives up to the Redwood Empire name. The finish is long. Quite remarkable for 45% ABV. This is an excellent whiskey. It demonstrates the possibilities within blended American whiskey, a category often neglected. I'm eager to witness the impact of additional aging on the Graton-distilled component of this blend. Online commentary on this bottling suggested it was mediocre. I must differ. I purchased it based on a tip, and I'm pleased with the outcome. It stood out for multiple reasons. Significant differences between the nose, palate, and finish. An impressive fusion of rye and bourbon, creating fascinating flavor combinations. And simply a fantastic price, especially for the inaugural batch. Strongly advised, and anticipating subsequent releases.

Neat. First pour from the bottle. I like the Lost Monarch as a good, inexpensive bourbon-rye mix. I found this older bottle from batch 1 (2017) and was curious. On the nose, I detect bubble gum... which is usually not a good sign for me. Ripe red fruits, specifically raspberries. Cinnamon and the smell of sun-dried grass. Baking spices. The nose is a bit of a struggle... Nice, creamy mouthfeel. Those raspberries are the main flavor on the palate. The port finish really stands out here. It's actually quite nice and crisp. That might be my favorite port note. Vanilla and a hint of that grass come through clearly in the legs. Wow, that port note is noticeable even in later sips. Like biting into extremely juicy fruit, it just bursts with flavor. It salvates the whole experience. This is a mixed blend. It seems young and unusual with the bubble gum on the nose, but the port flavor is tasty. This is much less impressive than the Lost Monarch, but it's interesting to see their early work and how they've evolved.

A friend recommended this one. Initial sips were remarkably smooth, rich, and enjoyable. A subsequent tasting revealed even more age and complexity in this whiskey. So, I compared it side-by-side with Blanton's, both at 90 proof, and Blanton's is a known good choice. However, this spirit surpasses Blanton's significantly. It boasts considerably more flavor, a much deeper hue, and richer taste. I'll be purchasing more.

From Batch 1, bottled on 11/9/17. Caramel, leather, and citrus appear from the bourbon, alongside mint, dill, and eucalyptus from the rye. A touch of chocolate and wine comes from the port barrels. This certainly sparked discussion during a virtual tasting. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. It's enjoyable, but the various components don't seem completely cohesive.

An excellent combination of rye and bourbon, neither the rye's spice nor the bourbon's sweetness is overpowering. It has a smooth, long, well-rounded finish that will satisfy your palate. This is a remarkable creation that will leave everyone who tries it wanting more. Great job, everyone involved.

Its dark amber color and slow legs promise a good experience. Aromas of oak, vanilla, and rye are present. Drank neat, it feels warm and oily with mint upfront, lacking the expected vanilla. It concludes with a young rye burn. I enjoy this whiskey.