Redwood Empire Distillery, nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, California, blends traditional craftsmanship with an environmentally conscious ethos. Named after the famous redwood forests of Northern California, the distillery pays homage to the region's natural beauty while focusing on producing high-quality, small-batch spirits. Founded by Derek Benham, Redwood Empire began as part of Purple Wine + Spirits, a company known for its commitment to sustainability in the beverage industry. The distillery’s use of water-saving technologies and its tree-planting initiatives highlight its green focus, with one tree planted for every bottle sold.
Redwood Empire's range includes bourbon, rye, and American whiskeys. Among its key expressions are Pipe Dream Bourbon, Emerald Giant Rye, and Lost Monarch, a unique blend of bourbon and rye. These whiskeys take their names from some of the tallest and oldest trees in the Redwood National and State Parks, symbolising the distillery’s connection to nature. Each expression offers a distinct profile—Pipe Dream is rich and creamy with caramel and vanilla notes, while Emerald Giant has a spicier, more pepper-forward flavour, and Lost Monarch balances sweetness with the robust character of rye.
What sets Redwood Empire apart is its focus on aged spirits. While many American distilleries bottle younger whiskies, Redwood Empire incorporates older, mature whiskey stocks into its blends, creating complexity and depth of flavour. This approach is evident in their limited-edition releases, such as Grizzly Beast and Rocket Top, which further explore different mash bills and barrel finishes, adding layers of intricacy to the drinking experience.
Additionally, the distillery’s Warehouse No. 1 is home to experimentation, allowing for small-batch, limited-run releases that push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making. The distillery focuses on sustainable practices in this space as well, with solar energy powering much of the operation.
