As a whiskey enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting bottles to try. Recently, I had the opportunity to sample Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey, and I have to say, I was impressed. This California-based distillery has been making waves in the whiskey world, and for good reason.
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker or just starting to explore the world of spirits, this bottle is sure to impress. Keep reading for more information on this exciting release.
Table of Contents
Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey Overview
Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye is a smooth and approachable whiskey that offers just the right amount of spice with an interesting cast of supporting flavors. It is a blend of several ryes, ranging from 4 to 6 years old. The blend is 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The whiskey is aged for four years, and the cask strength version is 116.4 proof.
Product History
Redwood Empire Whiskey is a craft whiskey brand that was founded in 2017 in Sonoma County, California. The brand is inspired by the natural beauty of the Redwood forests and their commitment to sustainability. Their whiskey is made from locally sourced grains and aged in oak barrels.
The Emerald Giant Rye is named after the tallest tree in Redwood National Park, which rises over 360 feet high. The August Sequoia is the fastest-growing redwood in the world, gaining over 50 cubic feet and more than 1500 pounds of mass each year.
Price Range
Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye is an affordable whiskey that is perfect for those who are just getting into rye whiskey. The standard version of the whiskey has a retail price of around $40, while the cask strength version is around $100. The approachable price tag, along with its four-year age statement, makes this whiskey an easy bottle to recommend picking up.
photo credit: redwoodempirewhiskey.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
The nose of Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey is dominated by pine and rye spice, with hints of brown sugar, cinnamon, and pepper. It’s an intriguing soiree of scents that invites you to take a sip.
Flavor
On the palate, the rye spice takes center stage, accompanied by honey and orange peel. The bold spice plays nicely with a touch of sweetness, making it a pleasant sipping whiskey.
Finish
The finish is light, with rye spice and oak notes lingering on the tongue. A dab of leather and tobacco leaf, along with white peppercorn, adds complexity to the finish, leaving a lingering heat.
Rating
Overall, Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey is a solid rye whiskey that’s enjoyable to sip. It’s not the most complex whiskey out there, but it’s well-balanced and has a pleasant finish. I would give it a rating of 8 out of 10.
Mixing and Pairing
As a whiskey enthusiast, I always enjoy experimenting with different ways to enjoy my favorite spirits. Here are a few suggestions for mixing and pairing Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey.
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Best Mixers
While this rye whiskey is delicious on its own, it also pairs well with a variety of mixers. Here are a few suggestions:
- Ginger beer: The spicy notes of the rye whiskey are complemented by the ginger beer’s bite.
- Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice can help bring out the citrus notes in the whiskey.
- Sweet vermouth: Mixing this rye with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters creates a classic Manhattan cocktail.
photo credit: redwoodempirewhiskey.com
Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking for some cocktail inspiration, here are a few ideas:
- Emerald Giant Sour: Combine 2 oz. Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey, 1 oz. lemon juice, and 1 oz. simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Rye Old Fashioned: Muddle a sugar cube with a splash of water and a dash of bitters in a glass. Add ice and 2 oz. Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey. Stir and garnish with an orange twist.
- Rye Ginger: Combine 2 oz. Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey and 4 oz. ginger beer in a glass with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
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Food Pairings
When it comes to pairing food with rye whiskey, there are a few things to keep in mind. Rye’s spicy notes make it a great match for bold flavors like barbecue and smoked meats. Here are a few ideas:
- BBQ ribs: The smoky, spicy flavors of the ribs complement the rye whiskey’s bold flavors.
- Charcuterie board: Pair this rye with a variety of meats and cheeses for a delicious snack.
- Dark chocolate: The sweetness of the chocolate can help balance out the rye’s spicy notes.
Conclusion
I found Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey to be a solid choice for those who enjoy rye whiskey. The unique sweetness in the flavor profile sets it apart from other rye whiskeys I have tried, and the cask strength version packs a punch without being overwhelming.
I would recommend Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey to anyone looking to expand their rye whiskey collection or try something new. With its unique flavor profile and reasonable price point, it is definitely worth a taste.
Related Posts
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