California Whiskeys You Should Try
California Whiskeys You Should Try
California has long been known for its wine and craft beer, but the Golden State's whiskey scene has quietly grown into something worth paying serious attention to. From foggy coastal distilleries aging barrels in the salt air to inland producers harnessing the state's dramatic temperature swings for rapid, flavor-packed maturation, California whiskey makers are writing their own rules. They're experimenting with local grains, unconventional cask finishes, and climate-driven aging techniques that give their spirits a character you simply won't find in Kentucky or Tennessee. The result is a diverse and exciting lineup of bottles that reflect the same innovative, boundary-pushing spirit that defines California itself. If you haven't looked west for your next pour, it's time to start.
Redwood Empire Rocket Top Bottled In Bond Rye Whiskey
Bottled under the stringent regulations of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, this rare whiskey represents the purest embodiment of Redwood Empire's craft. Aged in the temperate climate of Northern California's coast, the original distillate is altered solely by the introduction of pristine water sourced from the Russian River Valley aquifer. It offers an aromatic profile with hints of sandalwood, clove, parsnip, and dry leaves, while the palate presents a dynamic blend of black pepper, coffee grounds, leather, and rich malt. With a 100 proof, this whiskey has been lauded with a 95 rating by Tasting Panel, featuring brown-sugared peach, baked apple, and a touch of pekoe tea on the nose, followed by a comforting medley of papaya, cashew, and peach cobbler on the palate, culminating in a finish adorned with vanilla bean and tobacco leaf. Wine Enthusiast also acknowledges it with a 95 rating, noting a concentrated crème brûlée aroma and a lighter flavor profile that combines caramel, toasted brown sugar, and a plummy note, enriched with toasty spices like nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. This 87% rye whiskey, complemented with small measures of barley and wheat, is aged for five years and adheres to the bottled-in-bond standard. Furthermore, Whisky Advocate commends its buttery and soft nose, evoking notes of pancakes, maple syrup, clove, and brown sugar. The palate offers a smooth medley of peanut brittle, French toast, vanilla ice cream, and orchard fruits, harmonized by peppercorn spice and subtle oak. The finish is long and creamy, unveiling sweetness akin to maple syrup, the indulgence of milk chocolate, and a subtle touch of red fruit, interwoven with oak and earthy elements, showcasing the whiskey's remarkable smoothness and balance. Buy it now.
Spirit Works Distillery Straight Wheat Whiskey
Crafted from 100% organic red winter wheat cultivated in California's Sacramento Valley, our Straight Wheat Whiskey reflects a commitment to quality and sustainability. Every step of the production process, from milling and mashing to fermentation and distillation, occurs exclusively on-site at our distillery in Sonoma County. Maturing for a minimum of four years in 53-gallon charred American white oak barrels, this whiskey remains unaltered by chill filtration, preserving its full aromatic complexity. Careful distillation cuts contribute to the whiskey's refined and distinctive character upon emerging from the barrel. Offering a nose characterized by tobacco, butterscotch, and subtle minerality, the palate unfolds with a long, smooth journey featuring caramelized sugar, hints of sweet tea, toasted walnut, and juicy stone fruit. The finish leaves a lingering impression of graham crackers by the campfire, complemented by subtle smoke and bittersweet cocoa nibs, culminating in a touch of creamy vanilla. Awarded 87 points by Wine Enthusiast, this uniquely American spirit boasts an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45.0%. Buy now for $50.00.
Redwood Empire Emerald Giant American Rye Whiskey
Emerald Giant, named after the world's fastest-growing redwood, is meticulously created from hand-selected barrels aged for a minimum of four years, resulting in a burnt orange-hued whiskey. It exudes a natural rye aroma, followed by a blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of pepper, offering an unparalleled complexity of spiciness complemented by smooth rye notes. The taste profile unfolds with a touch of honey and orange peel, evolving into a peppery character, and culminating in a lingering finish with pronounced cinnamon notes. This Sonoma County whiskey, boasting a 97 rating from Tasting Panel, pays homage to the colossal trees of California's northern coast. It offers a sumptuous olfactory experience featuring salted orange peel, followed by an impressive weight on the palate, where sea salt and bittersweet chocolate harmonize with nutmeg, exotic blue flowers, and caraway, and finishes with a delightful touch of stone fruit. Buy now on sale for $34.99.
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey
Pipe Dream Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey is an uncut and unfiltered craft offering, delivering the full experience straight from the barrel. This limited edition is aged for a minimum of four years in the temperate climate of Northern California's coast, showcasing Redwood Empire's dedication to exceptional whiskey-making. Boasting a deep golden hue, its nose reveals notes of toffee, cherry, and soft leather, while the palate delights with flavors of cherry cola, honey, butterscotch, and pecans. Crafted with a mash bill of 73% corn, 18% rye, 5% malted barley, and 4% wheat, it is a blend of bourbons aged from 4 to 14 years, with a proof of 115.8. Acclaimed with 96 points from The Tasting Panel, 91 points from Whiskey Advocate, and a Platinum Medal for Best in Show at the TAG Spirits Awards, this bourbon sets a new standard in cask strength craft whiskey. Buy it now!
Savage & Cooke Howling Mob Bourbon Whiskey
Owned by Napa Valley winemaker Dave Phinney, this distillery, named California Bourbon Distillery of the year at the New York International Spirits Competition, is located on historic Mare Island and opened in 2018. “The heirloom corn we get from nearby Winters, California is the perfect example,” he says. “It makes these bottled in bond whiskeys so special. It was a long wait, but with each new release, we see how our patience paid off.” This spring he released two new bottled in bond bourbons in very limited supply. Howling Mob ($95), with just 31 barrels at 100 proof, using 93% corn and 7% malted barley, and Bloody Butcher ($99), made from 44 carefully selected barrels, to become an annual release. These are a California-style whiskey, full-bodied but not overpowering and aimed at a sophisticated audience. Buy it now!
Sonoma Distilling Company Cherrywood Smoked Bourbon
Sonoma Distilling Company's Cherrywood Smoked Bourbon is a distinctive expression crafted from predominantly locally sourced California grain, with 13% malted barley in the mash. Notably, the barley is smoked with local cherrywood by the distiller before the distillation process. The infusion of cherrywood smoke imparts a unique character to the spirit, providing a delightful counterpoint to the rich notes of maraschino cherries, vanilla, and caramel-coated candy apple. Offered as a seasonal Distiller's Edition release, this bourbon exemplifies Sonoma Distilling Company's commitment to innovative and flavorful whiskey creations. Buy it now!
Savage & Cooke Second Glance American Whiskey
Upon the initial encounter, this spirit makes a striking and robust statement, unveiling a medley of aromas that include maple wood, cardamom, buttery toast, and the enticing presence of black cherries. As you explore its flavors further, the intensity on the palate is truly impressive, offering a wealth of honeyed sweetness, velvety caramel, the comforting warmth of hazelnuts, and a delightful array of baked dark fruits. The finish is a testament to its depth, displaying a complex and layered conclusion. It all comes together at a proof of 88, delivering a well-rounded and memorable tasting experience. Buy now on sale for $38.99.
St. George Spirits Breaking & Entering American Whiskey
This spirit boasts a nose with distinct notes of toffee, candied orange peel, cinnamon, and cherry bark, while the palate delivers a delightful combination of rich pecan pastry, bittersweet chocolate, fruit preserves, and spice. It has an alcohol content of 86 proof, offering a well-balanced and flavorful tasting experience. Buy now on sale for $37.99.
Lost Lantern Mountain Meadow St. George Spirits California Single Malt
Lost Lantern has curated a special batch showcasing the distinct flavors of four individual casks, all aged for four years at St. George Distilling in California. After careful selection and blending, water was added to create this exclusive bottling, ensuring a refined and balanced whiskey experience. Buy it now!
Redwood Empire Bottled in Bond Grizzly Beast Straight Bourbon Whiskey
With a high wheat percentage and a fruity fragrance that includes flavors of cherry cola and caramelized sugar, whiskey is a full-bodied, straight bourbon. This bourbon will become a favorite in any home bar because to its sweet and tart overtones. Buy it now!
Redwood Empire Lost Monarch American Whiskey
Redwood Empire Lost Monarch American Whiskey is currently available at a discounted price of $36.99, presenting an 18% savings from its regular price of $45. The Lost Monarch American Whiskey is aptly named after the largest coastal redwood tree, The Lost Monarch, and is a blend consisting of 60% Rye and 40% Bourbon. It exhibits a dark amber color with a slight orange hue. The nose is complex, offering notes of clove, cinnamon, vanilla, orange citrus zest, and butterscotch, along with an intriguing hint of sandalwood. The flavor profile is characterized by the sweetness of corn and spiciness from rye, harmonizing to create a flavor reminiscent of almost maple syrup. The experience continues with notes of vanilla and caramel, leading to a sustained yet subdued peppery finish. Buy now on sale for $36.99.
Redwood Empire Whiskey Foggy Burl Single Malt Whiskey
Representing a new endeavor for California's Redwood Empire, this whiskey is the result of a blend of 27 barrels, each containing a unique barley mash bill. After these diverse whiskeys were combined into a single batch, they were adjusted with proofing water before being bottled for distribution. Buy it now!
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