Graton, California-based Redwood Empire Whiskey expands its award-winning portfolio with Batch No. 002 of Redwood Empire Rocket Top Straight Rye Whiskey (SRP $89.99/750 ml) and Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Straight Bourbon Whiskey (SRP $89.99/750 ml). Whiskey lovers can rejoice in this much anticipated second batch that continues to excite consumers around the growing portfolio of expressions that convey a sense of place and inspire a reverence for nature.
Each of the new Redwood Empire Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond expressions received 95 points from The Tasting Panel magazine and its sister publication, The SOMM Journal. These high ratings underscore the distillery’s commitment to pioneering a new category of California whiskey that emphasizes creativity, fresh and local ingredients, and environmental responsibility.
“It’s an honor to bring our second batch of Bottled in Bond-designated whiskey to life,” explains Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn. “The craft and complexity in selecting the raw ingredients started in spring 2017. No two mash bills were identical, and that results in exceptional balance and depth of flavor.”
The whiskeys were produced under the strict tenets of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which serves as an assurance of quality and authenticity. Produced 100% in house, these grain to glass offerings are the purest expression of Redwood Empire’s craft.
“On the heels of the remarkable response received from the launch of our inaugural edition, we’re proud to add the Spring 2017 vintage to our Bottled in Bond series” said Founder and Chairman Derek Benham, Purple Brands.
Redwood Empire controlled production from grain-to-glass for these two distinctive whiskeys. Duckhorn and his team delivered complexity and character through careful and thoughtful decisions from the selection of grains and unique mash bills to the significant cuts of heads and tails during distillation. The temperate weather conditions of the Northern California coast allow a slow, even flavor extraction from the barrels throughout the year which imbues Redwood Empire whiskeys with their signature style.
Best enjoyed neat or on a large rock, Redwood Empire Whiskey’s Bottled in Bond collection, is available for a limited time at select retailers in the U.S.
AT A GLANCE
Redwood Empire Bottled in Bond Rocket Top Straight Rye Whiskey – Batch No. 002
Mash bill: 87% Rye 5% Wheat 5% Malted Barley 3% Corn
Straight rye, aged five years in 53-gallon American White Oak barrels, primarily toasted and charred to level 3. This release features a 4-grain mash bill that adds 3% of Corn, which brings a little more sweetness than our inaugural release. Still maintaining a high percentage of rye, the result are aromas of bergamot, candied orange, sage, and dates with a savory palate of fig jam, caramel corn, and cracked pink peppercorn. Rocket Top is named for the 365-foot coastal redwood tree, reminiscent of a bottle rocket, in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Tasting Along with Jeff Duckhorn
Redwood Empire Bottled in Bond Grizzly Beast Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Batch No. 002
Mash bill: 66% Corn 23% Rye 7% Wheat 4% Barley
Straight Bourbon whiskey, aged five years in 53-gallon American White Oak barrels, primarily toasted and charred to level 3. This release maintains the 4-grain mash bill, with an increase in the percentage of wheat. Overall, aromas of charred sugar, cherry cola, and reduced red currants open into a rich, full mouth of molasses, almond brittle, and lemon bar. Grizzly Beast gets its name from two giants: Grizzly Giant, a giant Sequoia in Yosemite National Park, and Mattole Beast, a massive 375-foot coastal redwood in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Tasting Along with Jeff Duckhorn