Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon Whiskey – Wheated Bourbon Whiskey | Redwood Empire Whiskey, Graton, Sonoma County, California
Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is a smooth, rich, and distinctively crafted wheated bourbon from Redwood Empire Whiskey — a celebrated craft distillery based in Graton, Sonoma County, California, named in honor of the majestic coastal redwood forests that define the Northern California landscape and inspired by the spirit of the American West. Redwood Empire has built a devoted following for its commitment to producing exceptional American whiskeys that reflect the character, terroir, and independent spirit of California’s wine country — and the Colonel Armstrong is the distillery’s tribute to the wheated bourbon tradition, named for the legendary Colonel James Armstrong, who established the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County.
A wheated bourbon replaces the rye grain in the traditional bourbon mash bill with wheat — producing a softer, smoother, and more approachable spirit with a distinctive sweetness and gentler spice profile than high-rye bourbons. This is the same approach used by some of the most celebrated and sought-after bourbons in the world, including Pappy Van Winkle and W.L. Weller — and Redwood Empire’s Colonel Armstrong brings this beloved style to California craft whiskey with exceptional quality and the distinctive character of Sonoma County’s unique distilling environment.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Soft and inviting with vanilla, caramel, toasted wheat, light oak, and a gentle, honeyed sweetness — the distinctive and approachable aromatic signature of a well-crafted wheated bourbon, with the smooth, rounded character that wheat grain delivers in place of rye spice
- Palate: Smooth, soft, and beautifully balanced with vanilla, caramel, toasted wheat, light oak, and a gentle warmth that builds and evolves with genuine approachability and charm — a wheated bourbon of exceptional everyday drinkability and the kind of soft, rounded character that makes wheated bourbons so beloved by enthusiasts and newcomers alike
- Finish: Clean, warm, and satisfying with lingering vanilla, caramel, and a gentle wheat sweetness — the hallmark of a well-crafted, approachable wheated bourbon built for effortless everyday enjoyment
Key Highlights
- ✔ Wheated bourbon — wheat replaces rye in the mash bill for a softer, smoother, and more approachable spirit with a distinctive sweetness and gentler spice profile — the same approach used by Pappy Van Winkle and W.L. Weller
- ✔ Named for Colonel James Armstrong — a tribute to the legendary figure who established the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County, honoring the natural heritage of Northern California’s redwood forests
- ✔ From Redwood Empire Whiskey — Graton, Sonoma County’s celebrated craft distillery, producing exceptional American whiskeys that reflect the character and independent spirit of California’s wine country
- ✔ California craft distilling — produced in Sonoma County, one of America’s most celebrated wine and spirits regions, bringing the craft and terroir of Northern California to the wheated bourbon tradition
- ✔ 750mL bottle — an outstanding choice for wheated bourbon enthusiasts, California spirits lovers, and anyone seeking a smooth, approachable, and genuinely distinctive craft wheated bourbon at an accessible price
- ✔ Available at Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping
How to Enjoy
Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails — its soft, smooth character and gentle wheat sweetness make it one of the most approachable and versatile wheated bourbons in the category. Try it in a Colonel Armstrong Old Fashioned (Colonel Armstrong, Demerara syrup, Angostura bitters, orange peel) where the wheated softness shines beautifully, a Wheated Manhattan (Colonel Armstrong, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, Luxardo cherry) for a smooth and satisfying stirred cocktail, or simply on the rocks with a splash of water for an effortless, everyday pour. For food pairings, Colonel Armstrong pairs beautifully with BBQ and smoked meats, mild and aged cheeses, caramel and vanilla desserts, grilled corn and hearty fare, and charcuterie boards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a wheated bourbon and how does it differ from standard bourbon?
A wheated bourbon uses wheat as the secondary grain in the mash bill instead of the more common rye. In a standard bourbon, rye provides a spicy, assertive character that balances the sweetness of the corn. In a wheated bourbon, wheat replaces rye — producing a softer, smoother, and more approachable spirit with a distinctive sweetness, gentler spice, and a more rounded, velvety texture. This is the same approach used by some of the most celebrated and sought-after bourbons in the world — including Pappy Van Winkle and W.L. Weller — and is beloved by enthusiasts who prefer a softer, more approachable bourbon experience. Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong brings this beloved style to California craft whiskey with exceptional quality and accessibility.
What is the story behind the Colonel Armstrong name?
The Colonel Armstrong name is a tribute to Colonel James Armstrong — the pioneering Sonoma County figure who established the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville, California, preserving one of the most magnificent stands of old-growth coastal redwood trees in Northern California. The reserve — home to ancient redwoods over 1,400 years old and more than 300 feet tall — is a testament to Colonel Armstrong’s vision and commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Sonoma County. Redwood Empire Whiskey honors this legacy with a wheated bourbon of exceptional quality that reflects the same spirit of care, craftsmanship, and respect for the Northern California landscape that Colonel Armstrong embodied.
Where can I buy Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon Whiskey?
You can purchase it online through Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping available.