Redwood Empire has been making serious noise in the American whiskey space, and their Emerald Giant Rye is a bottle I've been curious about for a while. Named after the towering redwood trees of Northern California, this is a rye whiskey bottled at 45% ABV with no age statement — a fairly standard setup, but one that gives the blenders room to work with a range of barrels to hit a consistent flavour profile.
For those unfamiliar, American rye whiskey must by law contain at least 51% rye grain in the mashbill, aged in new charred oak barrels, and enter those barrels at no more than 125 proof. That rye-forward grain bill is what gives this category its signature spice and structure — and at 45% ABV, the Emerald Giant sits at a sweet spot that's strong enough to carry flavour but approachable enough for newcomers to the style.
What I appreciate about this bottle is the intent behind it. Redwood Empire position themselves as an environmentally conscious brand — they plant a tree for every bottle sold, which is a nice touch even if it doesn't change what's in the glass. What does matter is that this is a well-constructed NAS rye at a reasonable price point. At around £51, you're in competitive territory with established names, and the Emerald Giant holds its own.
The 45% ABV is worth talking about. A lot of ryes at this price come in at 40%, which can leave them feeling a bit thin. That extra five percent gives the whiskey more body and allows whatever barrel influence is present to express itself more fully. It's a detail that matters, especially if you're planning to use this in cocktails where the spirit needs to punch through other ingredients.
Tasting Notes
I don't have detailed tasting notes to share on this one, but based on the style — a 45% ABV American rye with no age statement — you should expect the classic rye character: peppery spice, a touch of herbal grassiness, and that dry, slightly biting finish that makes rye such a versatile spirit. The lack of an age statement suggests a blend of younger and older barrels, which typically gives you brightness and energy alongside whatever depth the older stock brings.
The Verdict
At £51.25, the Emerald Giant Rye sits in a crowded market, but it earns its place. The 45% ABV gives it structure, the rye-forward profile gives it purpose, and the price is fair for what you're getting. This isn't trying to be a limited-edition showstopper — it's a solid, dependable rye that does exactly what you want it to do. I'm giving it a 7.6 out of 10. It's a genuinely good bottle that I'd happily keep on my bar, and one I'd recommend to anyone looking to explore American rye without breaking the bank.
Best Served
This is a Manhattan whiskey through and through. The spice and structure of a good rye were literally what that cocktail was built around — two parts rye, one part sweet vermouth, a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters, stirred over ice and strained into a coupe. The Emerald Giant's 45% ABV means it won't get buried under the vermouth, and that rye bite will keep the drink balanced and interesting. If cocktails aren't your thing, try it neat with a few drops of water to open it up, or over a single large ice cube. Either way, give it a few minutes in the glass before you judge it — rye rewards patience.
