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 seventh of nine highlights to focus on the Redwood Empire Distillery, with today’s review of Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Cask Strength Rye Whiskey.

Bottle Information

From the Redwood Empire Whiskey website: UNCUT & UNFILTERED Experience Emerald Giant straight from the barrel in this limited edition cask strength offering. Aged for a minimum of four years in the temperate climate of the Northern California coast, explore new heights of Redwood Empire’s craft whiskey.

• Distiller: Bottled by Redwood Empire Distilling (Distilled in California, Indiana, Kentucky)
• Mash Bill: 94% Rye, 5% Malted Barley, 1% Wheat
• Proof: 116.4
• Age: 4-6 Years Old
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $75
• 2024 National Average: $95
• 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 by far my favorite regular product that Redwood Empire offers! A very well-balanced rye that any bourbon lover could sip on for days. This bottle offers sweet notes of vanilla and brown sugar mixed perfectly with rye spice and citrus; the added proof turns this into a great pour. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Rye Spice, Dark Fruit (Apple/Cherry), Peppermint, Vanilla, Buttercream, and Citrus
• Palate: Apple Juice, Brown Sugar, Honey, Vanilla, Rye Spice, Citrus, and Oak
• Finish: Long Beautiful Colorado Winters Hug for days with Notes of Rye Spice and Sweet Vanilla Oak
• My Rating: Save It! (This is by far my favorite regular product that Redwood Empire offers!)

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™