Redwood Empire The Lost Monarch Small Batch Bourbon & Rye Blend

Redwood Empire The Lost Monarch Small Batch Bourbon & Rye Blend is a standout expression in the California distillery’s growing lineup, offering a balanced fusion of straight bourbon and straight rye whiskey. Bottled at 45% ABV and released in 750ml bottles, this small‑batch blend showcases the distillery’s signature approach to flavor: rich, approachable, and layered with character. The Lost Monarch combines the sweetness of bourbon with the spice of rye, creating a versatile whiskey that appeals to both bourbon drinkers and rye enthusiasts. Its smooth profile,
oak‑driven depth, and warm finish have helped cement it as one of Redwood Empire’s most popular core releases.

Based in Sonoma County, Redwood Empire Whiskey has built a strong reputation for crafting high‑quality, California‑made bourbon, rye, and blended whiskeys. The distillery is known for its commitment to sustainability, its use of local grains, and its practice of naming each whiskey after iconic Northern California redwood trees. Redwood Empire has quickly become a favorite among collectors and craft‑whiskey fans thanks to its consistent quality, distinctive blends, and accessible price points. With expressions like Lost Monarch, Pipe Dream, and Emerald Giant, the brand continues to expand its footprint in the American whiskey landscape while honoring the natural beauty and heritage of the Redwood Empire region.

About Redwood Empire:

The Redwood Empire stretches from San Francisco to Humbolt Bay and on to the Oregon border. It is a rugged, sparsley populated area still dominated by forest, including the protected groves of Muir Woods and the massive forests of the Humboldt Redwoods. A redwood forest is a perfectly balanced ecosystem where every element works in harmony. The grandeur of the redwoods can be experienced throughout our Northern California backyard here in Sonoma County.


Our Name
Our name comes from the land we call home—Northern California’s Redwood Empire. Once blanketed by ancient trees stretching the length of the coast, this 420-mile forest was one of the most majestic ecosystems on earth. Today, less than 3% of that original redwood forest remains. What’s left stands protected in pockets thanks to early conservationists like John Muir. Many of these towering icons—like “Pipe Dream,” the 14th largest redwood on earth, and “Emerald Giant,” the fastest-growing tree in the world—have inspired the names of our whiskies.
Founder Derek Benham

In 2013, founder Derek Benham saw potential in this region’s cool, temperate climate—perfect for aging whiskey slowly and evenly. Two years later, we broke distillery ground in the small town of Graton, nestled in the Russian River Valley and surrounded by redwoods. With Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn at the helm, we began crafting our first barrels while also traveling cross-country to source mature whiskey to complement our own distillate.

Redwood Empire Whiskey is a Northern California craft distillery known for its high-quality, sustainably produced bourbons and ryes that are named after famous local redwood trees.

Core Whiskey Lineup
Each of Redwood Empire’s core expressions is a blend of their own house-distilled spirits and older sourced whiskeys, typically aged between 4 and 12 years.

Pipe Dream Bourbon WhiskeyMash Bill: High corn.

Tasting Notes: Reviewers found it has a sweet nose with notes of candied orange and cherry syrup, transitioning to a palate of sweet corn and bread notes on a medium-long finish.

Emerald Giant Rye WhiskeyMash Bill: A 95% rye mash bill.

Tasting Notes: Generally described as having a sweet, spicy, and herbal profile.

Lost Monarch Blended Straight WhiskeyProfile: A “ryebon” or rye-dominant blended American whiskey, described as full-bodied with a depth of flavor making it a good base for cocktails.

Tasting Notes: One reviewer describes the 90-proof version as “sweet and spicy” and  “perfect for aging”. 

Distillery & Sustainability

Redwood Empire is also known for its environmental commitment and its new distillery location.
“Buy a Bottle, Plant a Tree”Through partnerships with non-profits like Trees for the Future and One Tree Planted, the company commits to planting a tree for every bottle sold.

As of mid-2023, the brand had funded the planting of over one million trees.

Mare Island DistilleryThe distillery moved its primary operations to historic Mare Island in Northern California in early 2025, a former naval shipyard.

The location includes a tasting room and bar where visitors can take guided tours, sample various whiskies, and enjoy cocktails and snacks.

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