Experience the depth and craftsmanship of Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey, a meticulously crafted spirit that honors tradition and terroir. Aged for five years in 53-gallon American white oak barrels, this four-grain bourbon (68% corn, 18% rye, 9% wheat, 5% malted barley) showcases a balanced and nuanced flavor profile. Bottled at 100 proof under the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, it ensures unparalleled quality in each sip. Aromas of cherry cola and rhubarb pie lead to a palate rich with nutmeg, sticky toffee, and cedar, finishing with gentle rye spice, white peppercorn, and oak. Distilled in Sonoma County and using water from the pristine Russian River Valley aquifer, this bourbon reflects Redwood Empire's commitment to sustainability by planting a tree for every bottle sold. Whether enjoyed neat or in classic cocktails, this is the purest expression of California craft bourbon.
Process & Profile
Grizzly Beast Bourbon is a Bottled-in-Bond whiskey, crafted following the strict guidelines of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. Distilled in the spring of 2019 and bottled in June 2024, this bourbon is aged for five years in 53-gallon American white oak barrels, primarily toasted and charred to level 3. Its four-grain mash bill strikes a perfect balance with 68% corn, 18% rye, 9% wheat, and 5% malted barley, delivering richness and complexity with every batch. Made grain-to-glass in Sonoma County, California, this bourbon reflects Redwood Empire's meticulous distilling, blending, and aging process to achieve its signature depth of flavor.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: A delightful combination of cherry cola, rhubarb pie, cinnamon, and hints of vanilla.
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Palate: A rich tapestry of nutmeg, sticky toffee, light caramel, cedar, and a subtle white peppercorn spice.
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Finish: A gentle rye spice finale with faint caramel chew, oak, and a short, satisfying finish.
Grizzly Beast's balanced profile ensures a smooth sipping experience while offering intriguing layers for seasoned bourbon enthusiasts to explore.
What Makes It Special
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Bottled-in-Bond Authenticity: Certified under the Bottled-in-Bond Act, this bourbon guarantees quality, authenticity, and transparency, with every bottle representing a single distillation season and distillery.
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Four-Grain Complexity: By blending corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley, Redwood Empire creates a harmonious and nuanced flavor profile.
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Sustainability Commitment: Every bottle sold contributes to environmental sustainability, with Redwood Empire planting a tree for each purchase—totaling over 1.7 million trees so far.
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Northern California Craftsmanship: Grain-to-glass production and water sourced from the Russian River Valley aquifer highlight the distillery's dedication to local resources and authentic craft practices.
How to Enjoy
Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond Bourbon is versatile, suited for any occasion:
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Neat: Best for savoring its full depth and complexity.
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With a Splash of Water: Unlocks more subtle aromas and flavors, enhancing its tasting experience.
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In Cocktails: Its balanced character shines in classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour.
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey is more than just a spirit—it's a tribute to American whiskey traditions, extraordinary craftsmanship, and the towering beauty of the redwoods. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or an adventurous enthusiast, this exceptional bourbon makes every sip a celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Grizzly Beast Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon?
Grizzly Beast is a rare straight bourbon whiskey adhering to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which ensures authenticity and strict production standards. It is distilled, aged, and bottled at a single distillery in Sonoma County, California, within a single distillation season. Each release is unique and reflects the craft of Redwood Empire Distilling.
What does "bottled-in-bond" mean?
"Bottled-in-Bond" is a designation established by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. It ensures the whiskey is the product of a single distillation season, crafted by one distiller, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV).
What is the mash bill of Grizzly Beast Bourbon?
Grizzly Beast uses a four-grain mash bill that varies slightly by batch. A typical mash bill consists of approximately 68-69% corn, 18-22% rye, 4-9% wheat, and 4-5% malted barley. This composition creates a balanced and complex flavor profile.
What does Grizzly Beast Bourbon taste like?
- **Nose:** Aromas of cherry cola, rhubarb pie, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- **Palate:** Flavors of nutmeg, sticky toffee, cedar, light caramel, and white peppercorn spice.
- **Finish:** A gentle rye spice with faint caramel chew, oak, and white peppercorn, making for a short yet satisfying finish.
How long is Grizzly Beast Bourbon aged?
This bourbon is aged for a minimum of five years in new charred American oak barrels, allowing it to develop depth and character from the coastal climate of Northern California.
What makes each batch unique?
Each batch of Grizzly Beast is crafted from barrels distilled within a six-month period, leading to subtle seasonal variations. Additionally, slight adjustments in the mash bill enhance the complexity and uniqueness of the whiskey in each release.
What is the best way to enjoy Grizzly Beast Bourbon?
Grizzly Beast is versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
- Neat, to savor its full complexity.
- With a splash of water, to open up subtle flavors and aromas.
- In classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Why is it called "Grizzly Beast"?
The name "Grizzly Beast" is inspired by two iconic trees in California: the Grizzly Giant, a giant sequoia in Yosemite National Park, and the Mattole Beast, a massive coastal redwood in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The name reflects the whiskey's connection to the Redwood Empire and its majestic landscapes.
How does sustainability play a role in making this bourbon?
Redwood Empire Distilling is committed to sustainability. For every bottle sold, the company plants a tree. They also use water reclamation systems, energy-efficient distillation techniques, and repurpose mash as livestock feed to minimize environmental impact.
What proof is Grizzly Beast Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon?
Grizzly Beast is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), a standard for all bottled-in-bond whiskeys.
Is Grizzly Beast suitable as a collectible whiskey?
Yes, due to its limited production, unique seasonal batches, and alignment with bottled-in-bond standards, Grizzly Beast is a collectible whiskey that appeals to bourbon enthusiasts and collectors.