Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon

Rating: 12/23 I acquired a new collection of bottles, so I decided to open one. I've been curious about Redwood Empire for some time, though I suspect it's another product capitalizing on the craft whiskey trend using sourced whiskey. It appears not entirely sourced, but some is, and none is produced on-site. Aroma: Rye is quite prominent here. This must be a high-rye bourbon. Peanut shells, mineral notes, and cracker jacks are also present. Faint hints of vanilla and tannic wood. An unremarkable aroma, but it's well-balanced. Palate: Light with a manageable burn and plenty of minerality. Subtle cracker jack notes come through. Hints of spearmint and some vanilla are also present. A touch of cinnamon that reminds me of a churro. Perhaps a hint of black pepper. The overall profile is clean and reasonably balanced, but it's also light and youthful. It might even have a whisper of cotton candy or bubblegum. Possibly even a faint melon, strangely. Finish: Spearmint is definitely present, but it's not at all overpowering. It doesn't burn or taste unpleasant. It's clean and smooth with some sweetness and a rich layer beneath. I'm uncertain of the exact sweet flavor. Cracker jacks, actually. Nice, but not exceptional. - Conclusion - This is young and light, as anticipated, but it's also intriguingly complex and generally quite pleasant. George Dickel Signature (11/23) is richer and fuller than this, with more baking spices (especially cinnamon) and vanilla. It's less balanced and nuanced, however. This one also exhibits less burn without a clear reason. Additionally, there's a bit more alcohol flavor here. My initial impression is that it doesn't quite match the Dickel. Still, I don't think it's as low as a 10, so I'll assign it an 11. Intense, bold flavors aren't the sole measure of quality, but such lightness without anything outstanding isn't ideal either. I could see a 12, but a 13 would be difficult to justify. Hints of graham cracker and milk chocolate. Okay, my appreciation for this is growing. But for now, it remains a 12. I now prefer this over the Dickel due to its more delicate nuance and less sour character. Revisiting it the next day, it remains light, but my assessment is a 12, possibly even a 13.

I acquired this bourbon some time ago and am only now getting to its review. I'd noticed the brand online and in stores, but this is my first purchase from them. In a Norlan glass, the aroma is sweet vanilla with a cake-like scent, plus a faint hint of ethanol. The body is quite pleasant, featuring vanilla, caramel, and oak notes. The body's presence is lasting, and the finish is smooth and woody. I've used it in various Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour cocktails with great success; it's a wonderful bourbon. I'm eager to sample their other products. I'll be keeping this on hand as it's a solid spirit for sipping and makes a very good mixed drink. Enjoy.

NEAT AROMA - Caramel, Vanilla, and Gentle Oak; Classic bourbon scents PALATE - Thin consistency. All the aromas carry through, joined by notes of cinnamon and honey. FINISH - Smooth with a barely perceptible hint of rye spice. Cinnamon is the most prominent note at the end. BUY - Yes, a worthwhile pour. It might serve some as a daily choice. BUY AGAIN? - While I initially said yes, I would opt for the Lost Monarch instead. It presents the best flavor profile within the core collection, in my view. As of 2/25, the Redwood Empire 101 has been released, and I have not yet sampled it.

A second serving from a fresh bottle, enjoyed neat in a tumbler. The aroma is delicate yet pleasant, mingling notes of cherry, baking spices, and brown sugar. On the palate, I detect some of that cherry and a pleasing sweetness, succeeded by caramel corn that lingers into the finish. Sufficient spice and oak are present to maintain interest and provide depth. It's a strong contender for a preferred everyday pour, offering a more engaging character than other well-regarded bourbons around the $30 mark.

Nose: Rye spice with hints of bubble gum and banana taffy. A touch of vanilla rounds out the aroma. Palate: It possesses a thicker, creamier texture than anticipated. It's exceptionally sweet, with the bubblegum and vanilla flavors being particularly prominent. The finish is quite sharp. Clearly, considerable thought went into its creation. While it may not become everyone's favorite, it's pleasant enough that most people won't actively dislike it.

Nose: Ethanol, caramel, and oak. Palate: Black pepper. Finish: Sweet and oaky aftertaste. Overall: In my opinion, this bourbon drinks like it's stronger than its stated proof. The spice, particularly black pepper, hits quite intensely, and it's certainly not the smoothest whiskey I've encountered. Based on other feedback, some people disagree and find it smooth and drinkable. I find it a bit rough. It doesn't have much complexity.