Lost Monarch Small Batch American Whiskey is a masterful blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskeys from Redwood Empire, aged at least three years in the temperate coastal climate of Sonoma County, California. At 45% ABV, this distinctive American whiskey captures the slow, even extraction that Northern California's maritime influence brings to barrel aging, creating exceptional balance between the sweet richness of bourbon and the spicy complexity of rye.

Established in 2015, Redwood Empire draws inspiration from John Muir's reverence for California's ancient forests, crafting whiskeys that reflect the natural harmony found among towering redwoods. Their Lost Monarch expression embodies this philosophy, using the temperate coastal climate to coax nuanced flavors from charred oak barrels, allowing bourbon's caramel sweetness and rye's peppery bite to marry into something uniquely Californian—a whiskey that speaks of fog-kissed mornings and sun-dappled groves.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Vanilla oak, dried orange peel, warm baking spices, honeyed grain, subtle coastal minerality
• Palate: Caramel sweetness, black pepper, cinnamon bark, toasted almonds, rye spice building gradually
• Finish: Medium length with lingering spice, oak tannins, hints of dark chocolate and sea salt

Product Details

Perfect For

• Fireside contemplation: Neat sipping while watching fog roll through coastal hills
• Outdoor adventures: Around the campfire after hiking among ancient redwoods
• Thoughtful gatherings: Sharing stories with friends who appreciate craft and nature
• Cocktail exploration: Adding California character to classic whiskey cocktails

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Redwood Empire Lost Monarch taste like?

Lost Monarch offers a harmonious balance of bourbon sweetness and rye spice, with vanilla and caramel notes from the bourbon component complemented by black pepper and cinnamon from the rye. The Northern California coastal aging adds subtle mineral notes and exceptional smoothness, creating a complex yet approachable American whiskey that's both familiar and distinctly Californian.

Is Lost Monarch good for cocktails or better neat?

This whiskey excels both neat and in cocktails due to its balanced 90-proof strength and harmonious bourbon-rye blend. Neat, it showcases the coastal aging influence and complex interplay of sweet and spicy notes. In cocktails, it adds depth to Old Fashioneds and Manhattans while bringing unique California character to classic recipes.

How does California coastal aging affect the whiskey?

The temperate maritime climate of Sonoma County creates slower, more even extraction from the barrels compared to traditional hot-climate aging. This results in exceptional balance and complexity, allowing the bourbon and rye components to marry seamlessly while developing subtle mineral undertones and refined smoothness that reflects the coastal terroir.

What makes Lost Monarch different from other American whiskeys?

Lost Monarch stands apart through its unique California provenance, combining straight bourbon and rye whiskeys aged in the coastal climate of Sonoma County. This creates a distinctly West Coast expression that balances traditional American whiskey character with the influence of maritime fog and moderate temperatures, resulting in remarkable smoothness and complexity.

Is Redwood Empire Lost Monarch worth the price?

Lost Monarch offers exceptional value as a craft American whiskey that showcases innovative California aging techniques. The thoughtful blend of bourbon and rye, combined with the unique coastal terroir and at least three years of aging, delivers complexity and character typically found in more expensive expressions, making it an excellent choice for both whiskey enthusiasts and curious newcomers.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.