Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bourbon: Review & Tasting Notes - Find Out!
In a world awash with spirits, can a whiskey truly capture the essence of a place, the spirit of a region, and still stand out from the ever-growing crowd? Redwood Empire Whiskey, distilled in the heart of Sonoma County, California, attempts to do just that, offering a range of bourbons and whiskeys inspired by the majestic redwood forests of the Northern California coast.
The Redwood Empire is a vast and captivating landscape, stretching from San Francisco to Humboldt Bay, and then north towards the Oregon border. This rugged, sparsely populated region is still largely dominated by ancient forests, including the iconic Muir Woods and the sprawling Humboldt Redwoods. It's a place where the air hums with the scent of pine and damp earth, a place where the Emerald Giant, a towering redwood in Redwood National Park, soars towards the sky. Redwood Empire Whiskey seeks to bottle this spirit, to translate the grandeur of the forest into a complex and flavorful whiskey experience.
The distillery's flagship offering, the Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond straight bourbon whiskey, is a testament to this ambition. It's a complex bourbon. The Redwood Empire distillery, founded in 2015 by Derek Benham, a seasoned entrepreneur, and master distiller Jeff Duckhorn, uses its unique production process. The distillery is located in the Russian River Valley, an area known for its cool climate, which influences the whiskey's maturation. The commitment to environmental sustainability and reforestation is also a key part of their identity. This is further evidenced by the distillerys acquisition of Savage & Cooke Distillery on Mare Island, California, which has positioned the craft producer for significant expansion. The distillery also has a commitment to environmental sustainability, planting trees and supporting reforestation efforts. Their commitment to the environment is more than just a marketing tactic; it's a core part of their identity.
But what makes this particular bourbon so distinctive? What makes it stand apart from all others? Let's find out.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond Bourbon |
| Distillery | Redwood Empire Whiskey |
| Location | Sonoma County, California |
| Mash Bill | 73% Corn, 18% Rye, 5% Malted Barley, 4% Wheat |
| Key Features | Gentler Flavors, Bottled in Bond, Inspired by Redwood Forests |
| Tasting Notes | Cherry Cola, Honey, Butterscotch, Pecans |
| Sustainability | Committed to environmental sustainability and reforestation. |
| Founder(s) | Derek Benham and Jeff Duckhorn |
| Website | Redwood Empire Whiskey Website |
The Grizzly Beast is a Bottled in Bond bourbon, meaning it adheres to specific regulations: it must be produced by a single distillery during a single distillation season, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). These regulations are a guarantee of quality, providing some assurance to the consumer that the product meets certain standards. Batch 004, the subject of many reviews and tasting notes, provides a glimpse into the distillery's approach. The mash bill (the grain recipe) features 73% corn, 18% rye, 5% malted barley, and 4% wheat. This balance aims for a profile that is accessible, with the potential for complexity.
One might expect the Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast to be a bold and intense experience given the name. It does however aim for gentler flavors. Tasting notes often highlight the presence of cherry cola, honey, butterscotch, and pecans. The profile is designed to be accessible and relatively easy to appreciate. The success of this approach ultimately hinges on whether the balance of flavors and the overall character of the whiskey manage to stand out from the crowd.
The Redwood Empire's focus on sustainability and its connection to the redwood forests are central to its brand identity. The distillery is not just making whiskey; it's telling a story about place, about preservation, and about the unique environment of Northern California. They plant trees and support reforestation efforts.
The distillery's practices extend beyond environmental stewardship. It is a local brand inspired by the environment and history of Sonoma County. They are innovating and applying tradition to whiskey with roots in the Russian River Valley. Redwood Empire also operates a sawmill with three facilities in Cloverdale, Sonoma County, to recover the greatest value from redwood logs. Its three new releases included a blend of bourbons from four states with a classic bourbon flavor profile. A smooth and buttery bourbon that lacks excitement but offers value.
The production process at Redwood Empire, while inspired by tradition, also embraces innovation. They are continuously refining their techniques to ensure the highest quality and consistency in their whiskey. The cool climate of the Northern California coast, where the distillery is located, also plays a crucial role in the maturation process, influencing the whiskey's flavor profile.
In contrast to the Grizzly Beast, Redwood Empire offers other expressions that showcase their versatility. One example is the Redwood Empire Cask Strength Lost Monarch Whiskey. This whiskey, made from 55% rye whiskey, offers a bolder and spicier character. It has a high rye content, using 94% rye, 5% malted barley, and 1% wheat.
Redwood Empire also produces other whiskies, showcasing their versatility. The Lost Monarch, is a blend of whiskeys made from a variety of grain bills. This is a testament to their ability to produce whiskeys that cater to a range of preferences. The whiskey is made from 74% corn, 20% raw rye, 4.5% malted barley, and 1.5% wheat and has been aged for three years.
The story of Redwood Empire is ultimately a story of place, commitment, and the craft of whiskey-making. In a market saturated with options, Redwood Empire seeks to distinguish itself through its connection to the unique environment of Northern California, its dedication to sustainability, and the quality of its spirits. In an era when attention spans are rapidly shortening and the options are nearly endless, it's crucial to do something to stand out amongst the crowd. Redwood Empire Distilling, with its emphasis on its roots in the Russian River Valley and the environment, has set a course for success. The Emerald Giant of the redwood forest can be compared to the success of this distillery.
