Humboldt Redwood Rye Whiskey

By Debbie Shocair

Rating: A

Eureka, California, nestled in a truly unique area between ancient redwood forests and the Pacific Coast, is not the place that comes to mind when you think of fine American whiskey. Even so, right there in the seat of Humboldt county sits Humboldt Craft Spirits (HCS), the first and only licensed distillery headquartered in Eureka.

In 2011, Fred J. Moore and his business partner Michael McCoy founded Humboldt Craft Spirits, and, fueled by the passion prevalent in most American Craft distillers, set out to make grain-to-glass spirits. They have since won a number of awards, with spirits named after features of the local beauty found in Humboldt County.

Among them is Redwood Rye, a spirit that begins with 77% rye and rounded out with corn and malted barley. Dave Tierney, who heads up technology and digital marketing for HCS, says, “We have a few different barrel sizes, but we generally rest Redwood Rye for about 18 to 22 months, depending on the time of year the whiskey is barreled in new American Oak barrels, and then blend it to ensure a consistent color and flavor profile between barrels/batches.”

Passion seems to be the driving force behind the American Craft movement in general, and while craft distillers certainly hope to make a living at it, it is their passion for good spirits that ensures quality. As Fred Moore says, “My partners and I are bankers by day, and distillers by night, so you can imagine how much fun we’ve had working on Redwood Rye.  It’s Humboldt County’s first aged whiskey, and in the year or so that it’s been on the market the response has been overwhelmingly positive – including being named Best Local Spirit in the Best of Humboldt awards for 2017.  We are excited for what lies ahead in 2018 and beyond.”

The Whiskey
On the nose, this fine American Rye was rife with caramel, sweet taffy and vanilla, banana, and marshmallow. Surprisingly sweet, in fact.

Breaking it with a ½ teaspoon of water brought out heretofore hidden notes of oak, which mingled with the taffy and marshmallow to seem something a bit like custard.

The mouthfeel on this beauty, though fairly spicy, was still silky, tingling all across the top of the tongue and under it.

The finish on Redwood Rye was as interesting as it was pleasant, beginning with orange – lots of prominent citrus, in fact – followed by oak and tobacco. The orange lingered throughout the lovely long finish, and there were hints of something green and lightly herbal, like parsley.

This is an absolutely fantastic sipper, either on the rocks or neat. I personally would not use it in a cocktail, but if you are so inclined, by all means do so, as it will add brightness and character to any tasty adult beverage. This California whiskey from Humboldt Craft Spirits is a must-try for any proud Californian, any Rye lover, and certainly anyone who enjoys good whiskey. I don’t often give an “A” grade, but felt it merited here.

The Price
Redwood Rye, priced at around $40, is available locally in Humboldt county, and available online through a link on HCS website.