Redwood Empire Foggy Burl Single Malt Review

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B-

California distiller Redwood Empire embraces their titular theme fully, with their releases named after the oldest and tallest of the state’s famous sequoia trees. Foggy Burl is a 347-foot tall skyscraper of a tree, the name coming from its especially burly base and one of its main sources of water. If you’ve ever wondered why are found in damp micro-climates, its because they thrive in and contribute to those conditions, drinking up some of their moisture from the air. Foggy Burl gets 40% of its water in this way.

This single malt is the first from Redwood Empire, Batch 001. It’s an American Single Malt, but there is no information on the use of heirloom grains or specialized brewers malts or any twists of that nature beyond that seven specific types were used. So, an American single malt whiskey, aged in toasted and #3 charred new oak barrels, and bottled at 99 proof in a 27 barrel production run.

The Whiskey
The pour takes on a polished bronze look in the glass. The nose oozes malty honey, toasted cereals and caramel, with a note of butterscotch. That sounds like the whiskey should come across as syrupy, but the palate is a good deal lighter than that, as well as taking a surprisingly spicy turn. I thought it was akin to making a sandwich out of oat biscuits and ginger cookies. The finish went over with ginger and clove.

The Price
Expect to pay $100 for a bottle.