Redwood Empire Bourbon Distillery: History, Products & Review

The Redwood Empire Bourbon Distillery holds a remarkable spot with California's most extensive whiskey barrel inventory. Annually, this amounts to 20,000 9L cases. Located in the scenic Sonoma County, the distillery marries traditional whiskey crafting with a deep dedication to the environment. Since launching in 2015, Redwood Empire has become a landmark for whiskey lovers and those who value eco-conscious practices.

At its core, Redwood Empire began with the goal of crafting outstanding whiskeys. Achieving this, their offerings include Pipe Dream Bourbon, Emerald Giant Rye, and Lost Monarch. Their in-house distilled whiskeys, Grizzly Beast bourbon and Rocket Top rye also show their commitment to excellence. Aged over five years, these selections highlight their quality focus. The distillery is also a pioneer in sustainability and product innovation, exemplified by planting over 1,280,272 trees through Trees for the Future.

Key Takeaways

• Redwood Empire Bourbon Distillery holds California's most extensive whiskey inventory, with an annual output of 20,000 9L cases.

• The core product lineup includes Pipe Dream Bourbon, Emerald Giant Rye, and Lost Monarch.

• Innovative in-house distilled products such as Grizzly Beast bourbon and Rocket Top rye exemplify their commitment to top-tier quality.

• Each bottle sold contributes to tree planting, underlining the brand's solid environmental initiative.

• Redwood Empire has planted over 1,280,272 trees by partnering with Trees for the Future.

History of Redwood Empire

In 2015, Derek Benham, Jeff Duckhorn, and Lauren Patz founded Redwood Empire in Northern California. This distillery emerged from a passion for producing unique artisanal spirits. Inspired by the redwoods of Sonoma, their goal was to offer bourbons and whiskies embodying the area's beauty and heritage.

Founding and Early Years

Redwood Empire started with innovative distillation techniques and a quality pledge. Derek Benham and Jeff Duckhorn applied their deep industry knowledge. Their endeavor combined Californian creativity with time-honored practices, ensuring patrons an unforgettable taste experience.

Development and Growth

Between 2017 and 2024, Redwood Empire flourished remarkably. In 2024, their Small Lot Series launched to high acclaim among critics and enthusiasts. The series signaled a production boost and an elevated commitment to artisanal spirits. Two standouts were the 100-proof Grizzly Beast Bourbon and Rocket Top Rye.

Ownership and Key Personnel

Redwood Empire Bourbon Distillery's leadership team is pivotal to its triumph. Founder Derek Benham champions sustainability at the forefront. His vision significantly fuels the company's ethos, and the distillery's growth and production strengths mirror his steadfast dedication.

Founder and Proprietor: Derek Benham

Founder Derek Benham has critically carved Redwood Empire's identity. His commitment to quality bourbon and sustainability distinguishes the distillery in the competitive spirits sector.

Master Distiller: Jeff Duckhorn

Master distiller Jeff Duckhorn's expertise is crucial. His extensive experience and attention to detail ensure superior bourbon batches. Duckhorn's passion for whiskey making is an essential asset for Redwood Empire.

Head Distiller: Lauren Patz

Head distiller Lauren Patz, who joined in March 2022, plays a vital role. She oversees distilling and directs the craft toward innovation. Patz's dedication to quality refines Redwood Empire's distinctive flavors.

Other Notable Team Members

The distillery's success isn't just due to Derek Benham, Jeff Duckhorn, and Lauren Patz. A range of skilled staff members also contribute to production and distribution. This team ensures that Redwood Empire consistently delivers excellent quality.

Mash Bill and Sources

At Redwood Empire Bourbon Distillery, careful attention is given to the mash bill components to create a distinct flavor profile. Established in 2014, Redwood Empire quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to grain-to-glass whiskey production. Their dedication to using high-quality sourced grains and a unique distillation process sets them apart in the craft whiskey industry.

Overview of Mash Bill Components

Redwood Empire's mash bills are thoughtfully crafted. For example, their Pipe Dream bourbon consists of 75% corn, 21% raw rye, and 4% malted barley, while the Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond Bourbon includes 66% corn, 23% rye, 7% wheat, and 4% barley. Through these varied mash bill compositions, they achieve a diverse range of flavor profiles, aiming to deliver a unique tasting experience.

Sourcing of Grains

The grains used at Redwood Empire are selected with meticulous care, ensuring optimal quality. These grains come from several states, including Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The distillery collaborates closely with farmers to secure the finest ingredients. This careful sourcing contributes to the quality and consistency of their craft whiskey, establishing Redwood Empire as a pioneer in the grain-to-glass movement.

Distillation Process

Redwood Empire employs both traditional and modern conservation methods in its distillation process. This hybrid approach allows them to maintain the authenticity of old-world techniques while incorporating contemporary advancements.

The bourbons are distilled in multiple locations, including California, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, before being bottled in California. This multi-state distillation process enriches the whiskey's complexity and depth, reflecting the distillery's commitment to excellence in craft whiskey production. The distillery lays down the equivalent of 20,000 9L cases each year, a testament to its growth and ambitious vision for the future.

Product Lineup

Core Products

The core products from Redwood Empire possess unique and welcoming flavors. Pipe Dream Bourbon captivates with its spicy and toasty essence, winning over many. For a sweeter, more herbal taste, Emerald Giant Rye is unmatched. Lost Monarch combines the finest bourbon and rye, offering a rich and layered flavor.

Special Editions and Limited Releases

The distillery also receives acclaim for its innovative special editions and limited releases. It features expertly crafted whiskeys like Grizzly Beast Bourbon and Rocket Top Rye, both produced entirely in-house. The Small Lot Series stands out, with Foggy Burl and Devil’s Tower demonstrating the distillery's flair for exploring extraordinary flavors and methods.

Reviews and Reception

The response to Redwood Empire's spirits has been highly favorable. They've achieved a strong standing among whiskey reviews and bourbon lovers. Both broad reception and specific praises have underscored their focus on quality.

General reception and critical reviews

Redwood Empire’s bourbons have gained recognition for their outstanding craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices. By late 2019, they were crafting numerous single barrels of MGP bourbon. Each was aged 12 years minimum and finished in wine casks. This detailed attention in their production has drawn critical praise. Jess Smyth, a well-known critic, praised the intricate balance in their spirits.

Detailed reviews of critical products

Blending straight bourbon and rye, the Lost Monarch highlights Redwood Empire's masterful blending. Another praised product is their bourbon aged in 60-gallon toasted French Oak casks. Below are key points from its review:

This bourbon scored an 8/10 for its depth and balance. Critics lauded its smooth finish. The whiskey's flavors weren't overpowered by the Port cask finish, allowing its inherent sweetness and unique whiskey character to shine.

Redwood Empire launched 14-year-old single barrels without finishes in response to bourbon aficionados. These special releases have cemented their standing for quality and consumer responsiveness.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

Redwood Empire Whiskey embodies a deep commitment to eco-friendly practices and showcases an enduring journey towards improving our planet. Their initiative, "Buy a Bottle, We'll Plant a Tree," reinforces this dedication by actively supporting reforestation.

Commitment to Sustainability

Since 2019, Redwood Empire Whiskey has successfully planted over 500,000 trees. This effort is aimed at rehabilitating 125 acres of depleted farmland. These trees will absorb over 18,000 metric tons of CO2 within two decades. This significantly lessens the environmental footprint of the distillery, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.

Environmental Impact and Community Involvement

Redwood Empire Whiskey's environment-friendly actions go hand in hand with community involvement. Partnering with Trees for the Future, they ensure their reforestation aids those confronting hunger and poverty, helping over 1,000 individuals. They also partake in volunteer planting with One Tree Planted during Earth Month. This shows their dedication to not just ecological preservation but also community engagement.

Redwood Empire Whiskey's substantial environmental strides underscore its proactive sustainability approach. Their actions, aligned with larger ecological objectives, inspire the wider industry to strive for a sustainable, engaged community.

Conclusion

As your journey with Redwood Empire Distillery ends, the blend of tradition and innovation leaves a lasting impact. The heritage of Redwood Empire is evident in each bottle. From the Pipe Dream Bourbon's blend to the unique character of the Emerald Giant Rye. Their focus on sustainability and quality enhances the customer experience, appealing to whiskey lovers and environmentalists alike.

Visiting the distillery or trying their products reveals a unique mix of old craftsmanship and modern values. The lineup, including Pipe Dream Bourbon and the Lost Monarch Blend of Straights, shows remarkable attention to detail. The Pipe Dream Bourbon, with its 35 MSRP, stands out. Meanwhile, the Lost Monarch offers a memorable taste journey with its 60:40 bourbon-to-rye ratio.

Redwood Empire Distillery is unique for its mix of quality and environmental focus. Its innovative methods and respect for nature do more than create superb spirits; they build a legacy. Whether enjoying a sip at home or visiting the distillery, you're offered a deep, multi-layered experience. This ensures your craft bourbon journey is both enriching and delightful.