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 eighth of nine highlights to focus on the Redwood Empire Distillery, with today’s review of Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Cask Strength Blended Straight Whiskey.

Bottle Information

From the Redwood Empire Whiskey website: UNCUT & UNFILTERED Experience Lost Monarch 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
• Mash Bill: 55% Straight Rye, 45% Straight Bourbon
• Proof: 117.2
• Age: 3-12 Years Old
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $70
• 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 on par and as excellent as the regular offering of Lost Monarch but amplified with proof for those cold winter nights! Lovely notes of both the rye and bourbon are prevalent with highlights of vanilla, rye spice, and dry oak. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Vanilla, Buttercream, Cherry or Strawberry, Orange Zest, Oak, Brown Sugar, and Rye Spice
• Palate: Vanilla, Rye Spice, Oak, Orange Zest, Brown Sugar, and a Slight Fruitiness
• Finish: Long Warmth on the Back Palate with Notes of Rye Spice, Vanilla, and Dry Oak
• My Rating: Drink It! (This is on par and as excellent as the regular offering of Lost Monarch but amplified with proof for those cold winter nights!)

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™