Redwood Empire Cask Strength Pipe Dream (2023 Release)

Color: Medium Amber/Copper Nose: A familiar leathery aroma, with hints of molasses (?), baked apples, and a slight alcoholic presence. ** Consumed with a large ice cube. Higher proofs don't always drink their stated strength. However, this one certainly does; the 116 proof provides a pleasant warming sensation. Palate: Spicy, slightly sweet, with buttery notes emerging after a few sips. **As I continue to drink, the aromas become more pronounced. The second serving offered a strong "strawberry/banana" scent. Delightful! A slight bitterness appears on the finish. As the ice melts slightly, a pleasant brown sugar characteristic emerges. The finish is spicy and tingly — much like most bourbons I've encountered. I previously tasted the 'standard' Pipe Dream Bourbon earlier this year or late last year. I enjoyed it so much at a bar that I purchased a bottle the following day. I prefer to support distilleries in my home state whenever possible, so I sought out this Pipe Dream Cask Strength when I saw it at my local grocery store (where I often find sought-after bottles at retail price). I must admit, however... considering the cost, I would choose the regular offering over this Cask Strength again. It offers better value. This is similar to the regular Pipe Dream but stronger. There's definitely more complexity in this more expensive bottle. But I feel I could appreciate the flavors of the standard Pipe Dream adequately without the higher proof. The $50 price difference also makes the 'base model' more attractive. If you come across this bottle, I recommend trying it. But you'll be just as satisfied with, and spend less money on, the standard Pipe Dream.

This was a letdown. It's not bad by any stretch, but I truly anticipated much more from a cask strength priced around $70. It comes across as somewhat thin and a little grainy. The nose has a touch of peat and the palate has some spice. A small amount of tobacco on the nose but nothing remarkable. I hope it evolves, but as of now, it’s not something I would purchase again.

Nose: Echoes the standard release, with apple pie spices, hay, and a cool, grassy mint aroma. Palate: Delivers a more intense vanilla, oak, and cinnamon, along with stewed fruit, yet lacks the deeper flavors typical of such a profile. Finish: Sweet and pleasantly spiced.

The aroma is intense, with almost sharp ethanol notes alongside a whisper of corn sweetness and hay. Surprisingly smooth on the palate, it begins with a grainy character before evolving into a coating cherry vanilla sensation. The finish lingers at the back of the throat. A commendable drink.

Smell: this is what it smells like after it rains Taste: yo it's not bread but it really reminds me of bread

Fruity notes of green apple with a sweet finish