Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Cask Strength Small Batch Bourbon and Rye Blend Whiskey

Experience the pinnacle of American whiskey blending with the Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Cask Strength Small Batch Blended Straight Whiskey. Highly coveted by bottle hunters and connoisseurs globally, this premium small-batch release delivers the distillery's iconic, award-winning "ryebon" or "bourye" blend completely uncut and unfiltered, straight from the barrel. Named after the world’s largest coastal redwood tree by volume—the legendary 320-foot giant reigning in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park—this high-proof craft masterpiece stands as a colossal achievement in complexity and proof-driven flavour integration.

What elevates Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Cask Strength to elite top-shelf status is its deliberate dual-grain composition. The whiskey features a masterfully balanced proprietary blend of 55% straight rye whiskey and 45% straight bourbon whiskey. The rye component is built on a robust 94% rye mash bill, while the bourbon component leverages a rich 74% corn foundation. Both spirits are patiently matured for a minimum of four years (featuring mature components aged up to 14 years) in heavily charred, char #3 new American white oak barrels. Because it is aged within Northern California’s temperate, coastal fog belt, the evaporation process allows the whiskey to absorb rich, deep wood sugars at a slow, uniform pace, resulting in an exceptionally smooth texture that defies its high-octane proof.

Bottled at a commanding 116.2 Proof (58.1% ABV), this non-chill filtered American whiskey retains its natural barrel oils and rich sediment, delivering a luxurious, velvety viscosity that beautifully coats the palate. The bold interplay of sweet corn bourbon notes and explosive rye spices provides a true "best of both worlds" tasting experience. Additionally, your collection actively supports global conservation—through Redwood Empire's eco-conscious initiative, the distillery plants one tree for every single bottle sold. An unforgettable luxury whiskey gift or top-shelf centrepiece, this 91-point Whisky Advocate medal winner belongs in every premium home bar.

Tasting Notes & Flavour Profile

  • Appearance: Dark mahogany and rich amber with slow-moving, oily legs.
  • Aroma: Vibrant, complex, and earthy. Inviting upfront layers of mint chocolate ice cream, vanilla, buttercream, and fresh orange citrus zest, accented by a subtle hint of fragrant sandalwood.
  • Palate: Full-bodied, robust, and smoothly textured. Sweeter bourbon notes of buttered French toast, brown sugar, and maple syrup merge seamlessly with a punchy rye grain spice, dried apricot, blueberry cobbler, and milk chocolate.
  • Finish: Long, warming, and pleasantly complex. A persistent, dry oak finish beautifully rounded out by a crack of white pepper, light liquorice, and sweet bakery notes of almond paste.

Key Product Features & Specifications

  • Brand: Redwood Empire Distilling (Sonoma County / Russian River Valley, CA)
  • Whiskey Type: Blend of Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye Whiskeys (Cask Strength)
  • Proof / ABV: 116.2 Proof / 58.1% Alcohol by Volume
  • Age Statement: A premium blend of straight whiskies aged between 3 to 14 years old
  • Blend Ratio: 55% Straight Rye / 45% Straight Bourbon
  • Accolades: 91 Points (Whisky Advocate), 95 Points (The Tasting Panel)
  • Serving Suggestion: Outstanding when sipped neat to appreciate the uncut barrel character, or with a splash of water to unlock deep fruit and baking spice notes.