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Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey Review

Is there a rye whiskey that won't overwhelm newcomers but still satisfies seasoned sippers? Redwood Empire's Emerald Giant might be that perfect middle ground.

OVERALL RATING

7
$48
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Redwood Empire out of California (northern California) is a distillery in Sanoma County. Sanoma is traditionally known as part of California’s vast wine region, this distillery is creating a name for themselves with their unique labeling, environmental focus, and well crafted spirits.

Named after the fastest growing Redwood in the world, Emerald Giant is a fan favorite in the craft Rye whiskey world. We started with a mash-bill of 95% premium rye and aged it for over 3 years in new charred oak barrels. Spicy with an exceptionally smooth finish, it is a great choice in your classic whiskey cocktails.

Vital Stats:
Mash Bill:
92% Rye, 5% Malted Barley, 3% Wheat
Age:
A blend of 4 to 7-year-old barrels

Emerald Giant Tree
359 ft tall / 785 years old
GPS 41.20020, -124.00050
Down a winding trail and along a meandering creek in the Redwood National Park rises the massive trunk of Emerald Giant. Yawning high above at over 360 feet, this August Sequoia is the fastest growing Redwood in the world, gaining over 50 cubic feet and more than 1500 pounds of mass each year.

John Muir Bottle Quote: “Most people are on the world, not in it.”
Appearance:
Copper and clear in color. Tasted neat in a Glencairn glass after resting.
Nose:
A medium complexity on the nose. Fruity with sweet grass, red berries, black pepper and almonds.
Palate:
The body is sweet but once again not full. Watery almost buttery. Sweet pie crust, white pepper, tart cherries, caramels and aged wood blend together in the first part of the sip. We find bitter taste of rye and black tea. A touch of alcohol is also present.
Finish:
Good pop of sweet grass and granulated sugar before quickly dissipating. No burn and quite smooth at the aftertaste.
Comments:
A solid rye. Not too much to jump and shout about with this one as far as rye complexity goes, but for a young blend, it is nice to see a rye that doesn’t just hit you over the head with every sip. Rye, to me, often takes a little more time to mature and calm down in the barrel. A young release can sometimes tempt fate. Here, the bottling was nice, and the flavor was very enjoyable. I’d say if you’re looking for a safe journey into an affordable rye to expand your whiskey experience, this is a good bottle to pick. Gives you a nice juxtaposition on rye v. bourbon, but doesn’t make rye out to be this untamable drink.

Share this, enjoy it, mix it, take it on a hike, and sip it under the biggest tree you can find. Just leave no trace.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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