Redwood Empire American Whiskey Review

Updated May 3, 2018

By Father John Rayls

Average Rating: B-

I love the name “Redwood Empire American Whiskey,” as it conjures up all kinds of positive, historic images in my mind. So kudos to Graton Distilling Company, based in Sonoma County, California, for thinking of that!

Graton is also behind D. George Benham’s Sonoma Dry Gin and a similarly named vodka. For Redwood, the company uses mostly sourced whiskeys (probably MGP), with some of their own 2 year old rye. The sourced stuff includes an 11 year old, 5 year old and a 4 year old bourbon, plus a 3 year old rye aged in Port wine barrels thrown in with their own rye for good measure. In terms of overall proportion, it’s 60% rye and 40% bourbon. Thus, it’s a bourbon-rye hybrid with a lot of youthful whiskey in the blend, and bottled at 90 proof. My sample was from the first batch.

The Whiskey
The whiskey appears as medium brown, with some dark orange tints. The highlights are orange-shaded, polished brass. The prolific legs are reluctant, but eventually drain.

The nose is light-to-medium in intensity, with no burn or even the presence of tingling. Feel free to inhale deeply. There are notes of fresh fruit over very light spice with light oak forming the foundation, so it presents an aroma of fresh cut lumber. When combined with ice, however, the nose is almost negligible.

The taste offers layers of light cherries and light oak over caramel, with some light spice tossed in for good measure. this is on a smooth, light creamy mouthfeel. Most of the action takes place from mid-mouth to the front and onto the lips. This includes both upper and lower regions.

The finish kicks in quickly, and takes a while to fully express itself. It begins with caramel, oak and cinnamon spice turning to pepper with some lasting warmth. The heat never rises above a medium level.

This is an easy drinking whiskey that is very approachable even when served neat.  Over ice, it’s just slightly muted in both aroma and taste, but still very enjoyable. I tried it as a part of a Kentucky Mule (lime juice, Ginger Beer, Whiskey, fresh lime) and it was excellent!  However, buy the really good Ginger Beer (Fever-Tree).  It makes a huge difference.

Addendum by Richard Thomas
I found this whiskey had a glistening red, clear amber look in the glass. The nose was fruity, especially so for an American whiskey, with apples and cherries, along with a solid note of vanilla. The flavor, however, shifted to more vanilla, less fruit and a little butterscotch, this giving way to oak at the end. The finish is woody with a little butterscotch. Overall, it’s pleasant and a little surprising in its character, making for a simple, enjoyable sipper.

The Price
You can find Redwood Empire American Whiskey retailing at or around $45.00.