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 fifth of nine highlights to focus on the Redwood Empire Distillery, with today’s review of Redwood Rocket Top Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey (Batch 3).

Bottle Information

From the Redwood Empire Whiskey website: This rare bonded rye whiskey was bottled under the strict tenets of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. Aged in the temperate climate of the Northern California coast, the original distillate was altered only by the addition of pure water from the Russian River Valley aquifer. This bonded whiskey is the purest expression of Redwood Empire’s craft.

• Distiller: Bottled by Redwood Empire Distilling
• Mash Bill: 86% Rye, 7% Malted Barley, 5% Wheat, 2% Corn
• Proof: 100
• Age: 5 Years Old
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $70
• 2024 National Average: $96
• 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 an excellent rye with yet another stellar nose. What lacks in simplicity on the palate, is made up for with a nice finish of sweet spicy oak. This is a solid rye whiskey, but I still prefer Redwood Empire Emerald Giant. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Rye Spice, Pine, Peppermint, Citrus (Grapefruit/Lemon/Orange Zest), Buttercream, and Oak
• Palate: A Rather Simplistic Palate with Notes Rye Spice, Oak, Caramel, and Vanilla
• Finish: Medium Ending in a Sweet Spicy Oak
• My Rating: Drink It! (This is a solid rye whiskey, but I still prefer Redwood Empire Emerald Giant)

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™