Distiller Notes
A true rarity, this Bottled-in-Bond whiskey is crafted from a single season at a single distillery, aged in the temperate climate of Northern California's coast. Each batch is made exclusively from barrels produced within a six-month window, capturing the essence of seasonal variance and making every release one-of-a-kind. This is the purest expression of Redwood Empire's artistry—collectible, unrepeatable, and ever-evolving. Expect a bold yet balanced profile, where robust rye spice meets a softer mouthfeel. The palate reveals long-lasting notes of tobacco and malt balls, while the nose opens with warm brown sugar, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of pepper.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Look for a concentrated crème brûlée aroma but a lighter flavor profile, mixing caramel, toasted brown sugar and a plummy note. There's just enough toasty spice to keep it warming and lively, shot through with nutmeg, ginger and allspice. This is an 87% rye whiskey with small measures of barley and wheat, aged for five years and bottled in bond.
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Whisky Advocate
From Gratton Distilling’s Redwood Empire range, Rocket Top is named for a 365-foot tall redwood tree in California’s North Coast forest. Balanced sweetness on the nose, lots of cherries, and subtle herbs and spice. Soft on the palate, with red berries, balanced pepper spice, and bitter coffee. A flavorful, mid-length finish offers tasty flavors of strawberry shortcake and cherry pie. This one is well made and not afraid to be flavor-forward.
Known for its peppery, spicy bite, Rye serves as the ideal base for cocktails like the Sazerac, Manhattan or Old Fashioned. In order for a spirit to be labeled an American Rye Whiskey, the mash bill must be comprised of at least 51% rye grain. The remainder of the mash is most often a combination of malted barley, wheat or corn. After distillation is complete, the spirit is transferred to unused, charred white oak barrels for a minimum of two years, though many producers choose to age longer.