Redwood Empire Rocket Top Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey

This Redwood Empire Rocket Top Rye is only the second wheated rye I can immediately recall having. It's an interesting concept, as they are such opposing grains otherwise. Polar opposite ends of the spectrum, which is very well illustrated both when they are the whole and when they are a part. They are usually grains that work against one another when in the same spirit, but this time they come together harmoniously.

A huge part of why this one works comes down to the breakdown of the mash. It is comprised of 87% rye, 7% malted barley, and 6% wheat. That may not sound like a lot of wheat, but it is. Any more and it would be out of balance, and any less and it would be lost behind the rye. The wheat is a depth adding accent that plays nicely while contributing a round softness to the back end.

The nose is bitter orange peel, fall spice, toasted caramel, dry oak sawdust, and notes reminiscent of hiking in the woods in late fall.

The palate is warm and enveloping. Much of the nose is also here. The fall spices and orange peel round out into a dense yet approachable wood shop and sawdust vibe. Following in after that is a delightful fruit cakey sweetness that evolves into the eucalyptus and dry wood spice finish.

Redwood Empire has been known for awhile now for blending their own distillate with other whiskies from around the country. This Bottled-in-Bond offering is, as is required by that designation, all from one single distillery — their own. This release is a bold statement proclaiming loudly for all to hear that their own whiskey stands as tall as the the 365 foot namesake tree Rocket Top without any assistance.

This was not a completely objective review as it was not done blind. I was aware of what I was drinking at the time of drinking it. I purchased this bottle myself and was not provided by Redwood Empire for review.