Typically rye whiskey is either a potent pedal to the metal spicy rye, or a calm and tranquil version. You don’t get much in between. The point of the rye as a base is obviously the spicy notes it brings. There is a very nice viscosity to this, but it’s a little unbalanced and runs hot, in spite of its ABV and its age statement which is “at least four years.” There are definite sweet notes of caramel, butterscotch, resin, amber, apricot, and some spice notes from the rye, however the rye is overtaken a little by the sweetness, and the potent caramel notes. It is 95% rye and 5% malted barley, but the rye notes are soft and almost muted. All that said, for the price this is a fine rye, but not one I would hold up as being a true rye whiskey. However for those who are turned off by an aggressive rye note, this works well. 91
Reviewed by Michael Cervin
Brand – Redwood Empire
Spirit Type – Whiskey
Other Designation – Rye
Country of Origin – USA
ABV – 45%
Bottle Size – 750ml
Price – $37
Score – 91
Date Reviewed – 9/30/2024