Redwood Empire Rocket Top Straight Rye Whiskey

Overview
Redwood Empire Rocket Top Straight Rye Whiskey is a Bottled-in-Bond Pennsylvania-style rye produced in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, distilled from an 87% rye mashbill and aged five years. Released in summer 2021 from a 26-barrel dump, it demonstrates the distillery's progress in crafting subtle, sophisticated high-rye whiskey suitable for everyday sipping.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
The distillery operates in repurposed buildings from an old apple company and names its whiskeys after prominent trees, including this one after a 365-foot, 2,000-year-old giant in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Distinct from the flagship Emerald Giant rye, it underscores the brand's commitment to sustainability by planting a tree for every bottle sold—over 347,000 to date.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Sandalwood, ginger, and dry pine needles offer an uncommon herbal subtlety.
• Palate: Malty honey balances black pepper and pine, with earthy clay adding depth uncommon in bolder ryes.
• Finish: Spicy and lingering, with restrained heat.

Notable details

• Production: Bottled in Bond at 100 proof, non-chill filtered, matured in the Russian River Valley.
• Lineage: Craft distillery emphasizing tree-themed releases and environmental pledges.
• Comparison: Softer and more refined than typical high-rye profiles, distinct from Emerald Giant flagship.
• Availability: Widely available at retailers.

"Redwood Empire’s BiB rye exemplifies the maturity of craft whiskey, delivering sophistication and subtlety despite its high rye content." – Whiskey Reviewer

Closing
A balanced, tree-inspired rye that elevates craft whiskey's everyday potential without aggressive spice.

Sources

[1] Whiskeyreviewer – "Redwood Empire Rocket Top Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey Review"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Whiskey Reviews: Redwood Empire Rocket Top, Grizzly Beast Whiskeys"

[3] Drinkhacker – "Review: Redwood Empire Rocket Top Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey Batch #2"

[4] Breakingbourbon – "Redwood Empire Rocket Top Bottled In Bond Rye Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[5] Thewhiskeywash – "Redwood Empire Whiskey Review: Exploring Rocket Top and Grizzly Beast Expressions"

[6] Thewhiskeywash – "Redwood Empire Rocket Top Batch 2 Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes & Rating"

[7] Breakingbourbon – "Redwood Empire Rocket Top Bottled in Bond Rye (Batch 004) Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[8] Drinkhacker – "Review: Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast and Rocket Top Bottled in Bond Batch #1"