Redwood Empire Lost Monarch is a small batch American whiskey that artfully blends straight rye whiskeys and straight bourbon whiskeys, each aged at least three years in the temperate coastal climate of Northern California. At 90 proof, this distinctive spirit captures the essence of the Golden State's whiskey-making renaissance with exceptional balance and complexity born from patient barrel aging near the Pacific fog.

Founded in 2015, Redwood Empire draws inspiration from California's towering coastal redwoods, with Lost Monarch named after a legendary 321-foot giant hidden in the Northern California wilderness. The distillery harnesses the region's unique terroir—where cool ocean breezes and mild temperatures create ideal aging conditions that allow for slow, even extraction of flavors from charred oak, resulting in whiskeys that speak to both the pioneering spirit of American whiskey and the innovative soul of California craft distilling.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Vanilla custard, toasted oak, dried orange peel, warm baking spices, coastal sage
• Palate: Honey-drizzled cornbread, cinnamon bark, black pepper, caramelized apple, walnut oil
• Finish: Medium length with lingering rye spice, charred oak, and a whisper of sea salt minerality

Product Details

Perfect For

Evening contemplation on the deck as coastal fog rolls in, intimate gatherings where conversation flows like aged spirits, autumn campfires under towering pines, and introducing friends to the nuanced world of California whiskey. This versatile blend shines neat in a Glencairn glass or elevated in classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Boulevardier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Redwood Empire Lost Monarch taste like?

Lost Monarch offers a harmonious marriage of bourbon's sweetness and rye's spice, with vanilla and honey notes balanced by black pepper and cinnamon. The Northern California coastal aging imparts subtle minerality that distinguishes it from traditional Kentucky or Tennessee whiskeys, creating a uniquely West Coast flavor profile.

Is Lost Monarch good for cocktails?

Absolutely—this blend's balanced profile makes it excellent for both sipping neat and mixing in classic whiskey cocktails. The rye component adds spice that cuts through sweet mixers, while the bourbon elements provide body and vanilla notes that complement citrus and bitters in Old Fashioneds or Manhattans.

How should I drink Redwood Empire Lost Monarch?

Enjoy Lost Monarch neat or with a few drops of water to open up the coastal aging characteristics. Serve in a Glencairn glass at room temperature to fully appreciate the interplay between bourbon sweetness and rye spice that defines this distinctive California blend.

What makes Lost Monarch different from other American whiskeys?

Lost Monarch's uniqueness lies in its Northern California coastal aging environment, where cool ocean breezes and stable temperatures create slower, more even flavor extraction than traditional hot climate aging. This terroir-driven approach, combined with the bourbon-rye blend, produces complexity typically found in older whiskeys.

Is Redwood Empire Lost Monarch worth the price?

For whiskey enthusiasts seeking to explore American craft distilling beyond traditional regions, Lost Monarch offers exceptional value. The three-year minimum aging, small batch production, and distinctive California terroir deliver complexity and character that punch above their weight class, making it an excellent introduction to West Coast whiskey innovation.

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