Redwood Empire's small lot series has taken the market by storm since its 2024 introduction. Developed to showcase the experimental offerings Redwood has undertaken, this series has intrigued the Amongst the Whiskey team and many whiskey enthusiasts alike. This brand is by no means new to the team here, and for good reason. This is the fourth release from their small lot series, a straight rye whiskey—another addition to a category that is red hot these days. Thank you to the team at Redwood Empire for providing a sample for us to taste with no strings attached.
Company on Label: Redwood Empire
Whiskey Type: Straight rye whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: 67% rye, 31% malted barley, 2% wheat
Proof: 94°
Age: NAS (minimum 3 years)
Further identification: This is the fourth release in Redwood Empire's small lot series, released at an MSRP of $84.99
Nose: Upon first lifting the glass to the nose, a slightly synthetic tootsie roll wrapper can be found. Somewhat subdued at first, after a few encouraging swirls, enticing aromas began to stretch out of the glass. Delicate and light, like the color of this whiskey, we found angel food cake and raspberry tart, along with chocolate-covered pretzels, hot cocoa, and woven wool. Additional inhales revealed subtle allspice and a kiss of black pepper flakes. The empty glass smells of a thin New York pizza crust, raisin, and dryer sheets.
Palate: The flavors on the tongue seem to be more complex than the nose suggested, with a lovely, soft mouthfeel of chocolate fondue fountain. Here, we found whipping cream, a piping hot tiny cup of espresso, a forgotten piece of bit-o-honey candy, and a bar of dark chocolate. Hints of grilled pineapple and bread dipping olive oil linger on the tongue, which lingers moderate in length and subtly to boot for those who appreciate a silky sipper. Additional tastes highlight more of the allspice and black pepper, with a kiss of lemon cake. Late in the glass we find more of the same as a lemon cake bobs and weaves along a silken road of subtly. There is no treachery, no albatross in hiding, no perfidy to be found in this whiskey. At the final sip we find just a kiss of banana for the Jack Daniel's lover in your life.
TL;DR: Quiet does not mean dull with this subtle yet interesting rye
Rating: 3/5
This fourth release in Redwood's small lot series certainly stirred our appreciation for brands that are willing to step outside the box with experiments like a high malt mash. It's an incredibly easy going pour that we believe will do really well with a majority of more novice whiskey drinkers. While Van Duzen won't likely live rent-free in our heads for long after this glass, it did reaffirm the promise this small lot series will undoubtedly hold fun projects in future offerings from Redwood Empire.
Written by: The Amongst the Whiskey Team
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