Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey

A little background

Redwood Empire Distilling in Graton California is named after the Redwood Empire located in North Eastern California. The Redwood Empire is a national park system which is home to the forest of massive Humboldt Redwoods. Redwood Empire Distilling takes their inspiration even further by naming each of their whiskey expressions after a famous tree in the Redwood Empire Forest. Emerald Giant is a 3+ year old 90 proof rye whiskey that’s with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malt barley. For every bottle of whiskey that Redwood Empire sells, they have committed to planting a tree. Emerald Giant is available in select markets and has a suggested retail price of $35.

(Tasted neat from a Cradle Glass)

Color

Amber

Nose

The nose hits with the classic notes of rye but a refreshing apple crisp note. Subtle notes of sweet brown sugar also come through on the nose.

Palate

The front of the palate is coated with a unique rye spice which is quickly replaced with a creamy mouthfeel and a crisp citrus note. On the third sip came notes of delicious rye spice, along with honey and cinnamon.

Finish

The finish was a crisp apple note that hit the top of the mouth and the edge of the palate. It was on the shorter side but evolved as you sipped.

In closing

Let this one sit in the glass for a few minutes, you will be surprised by the number of flavors that come out. At $35 MSRP, this is will make a great cocktail rye whiskey, but it can definitely stand by itself. I think everyone should go buy a bottle of this whiskey, I mean think about it, even if you don’t end up loving it at least you know you made a difference by planting a tree!