As mentioned in the February 18, 2024, blog posting, I decided to start a new series that explores some of my favorite distilleries that I believe deserve a bit more attention. Those highlighted distillery write-ups will then be followed by several reviews of their products with the hope this will cause others to broaden their selections and seek some of these gems out. Thus, this is the second of nine highlights to focus on the Redwood Empire Distillery, with today’s review of Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey.

Bottle Information

From the Redwood Empire Whiskey website: Named after the fastest growing Redwood in the world, Emerald Giant is a fan favorite in the craft Rye whiskey world. We started with a mash-bill of 95% premium rye and aged it for over 3 years in new charred oak barrels. Spicy with an exceptionally smooth finish, it is a great choice in your classic whiskey cocktails.

• Distiller: Bottled by Redwood Empire Distilling (Distilled in California, Indiana, Kentucky)
• Mash Bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
• Proof: 90 Proof
• Age: 4-5 Years Old
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $35
• 2024 National Average: $50
• Official Website

Unfortunately, I have only found two stores in about a 45-mile radius that carry their product in NoCo, and it is very hit or miss when they are actually on the shelf. Thankfully, the distillery has started to ship directly to Colorado, yet funny enough, I have yet to successfully order anything from them as new products sell out extremely quickly. Overall, this is such a great pour for the price with the classic rye notes of dill and citrus throughout mixed very elegantly with sweet vanilla and oak flavors. I am upgrading this bottle by half a rating from the last time I reviewed it, as it just keeps getting better. This is the third bottle I have purchased now, and I can officially say this is my go-to budget rye whiskey; such an amazing pour! With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Dill, Pine, Rye Spice, Oak, Lemon Zest, and Slight Vanilla
• Palate: Rye Spice, Oak, Citrus (Grapefruit/Lemon), and Vanilla
• Finish: Medium with Sweet Vanilla, Citrus, and Rye Spice
• My Rating: Drink It!/Save It! (I am upgrading this bottle by half a rating from the last time I reviewed it, as it just keeps getting better.… such an amazing pour!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™