Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey
Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey is a 45% ABV (90 proof), 750mL straight rye whiskey from California — per the brand's current spec sheet, a mash of 92% rye, 5% malted barley and 3% wheat, blended from barrels aged 4 to 7 years in new charred oak, combining Redwood Empire's own distillate with sourced rye. It is named for the Emerald Giant, which the brand calls the fastest-growing redwood in the world. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Mash bill: 92% rye, 5% malted barley, 3% wheat (current brand spec sheet)
- Age: Blend of 4–7-year-old barrels
- Style: Straight rye whiskey
- Origin: Redwood Empire Whiskey, California (Mare Island, Vallejo since 2025)
- Namesake: The Emerald Giant redwood
Named for the Fastest-Growing Redwood
Emerald Giant is Redwood Empire's straight rye — and rye is also the distillery's own calling card, the spirit it distils itself and threads through the whole range. The current recipe keeps the high-rye spine (92% rye) with malted barley and a touch of wheat for structure, drawn from older barrels than the original release — four to seven years — under Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn. The distillery itself moved from Graton to Mare Island in Vallejo in 2025, and like every Redwood Empire bottle, this one plants a tree with each sale through Trees for the Future. Find the range on the Redwood Empire Whiskey vendor page, compare the house blend in Lost Monarch, or shop the rye whiskey shelf.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Burnt orange (brand). Nose: Natural rye aroma with brown sugar, cinnamon and a faint pepper. Palate: Smooth rye spice complexity — a hint of honey and orange peel turning peppery. Finish: Lingering cinnamon (brand spec sheet).
How to Enjoy
A Manhattan rye by design — 90 proof, high spice, enough sweetness from the ageing to balance vermouth. Also a fine Sazerac and a lively neat pour for rye devotees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mash bill? Per the brand's current spec sheet: 92% rye, 5% malted barley and 3% wheat, blended from 4–7-year-old barrels and bottled at 90 proof. (Older bottles and listings show a 95/5 mash at younger ages — the recipe was updated.)
Is Emerald Giant distilled in California? In part: the blend combines Redwood Empire's own California distillate with sourced rye; the brand does not disclose the exact split for this bottling.
How does it differ from Lost Monarch? Emerald Giant is a straight rye; Lost Monarch blends straight rye with straight bourbon (55/45 on the current sheet) for a sweeter, rounder profile.
High-rye spice from four-to-seven-year barrels — pick up Emerald Giant at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.