MIXING WITH CALIFORNIA WHISKIES

Bartenders talk versatility and approachability of Redwood Empire Whiskeys

Bartenders are choosing California whiskey as their go-to in modern and classic cocktails. Redwood Empire Whiskey, created on the Northern California Coast where the giant redwood trees grow, produces sublime whiskey. “I love that it’s a brand that’s not in the mainstream,” shares Roger McQueen, Beverage Director at CW's Gin Joint, in Tampa Florida. “It’s a brand that most haven’t been introduced to and that's a great way to start a conversation with a guest. I like asking what a person normally drinks and catering from that, there’s not a brand out there that can’t be matched with Redwood Empire Whiskey lineup.” Tim McMillian, bar manager for Sweet T’s Restaurant & Bar in Windsor, California adds, “We tested multiple whiskies for our classic Rambler cocktail and went with Redwood Empire Pipe Dream because of how well-balanced cocktails taste when made with it. The subtle hints of vanilla and maple paired great with the blackberry and amaro in this cocktail.”

Get Figgy Wit It

Created by Nicole Greenwell

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ oz. Redwood Empire Pipe Dream

1 oz. fresh lemon juice

1 oz. Fig preserves (3:1 fig : hot water to thin the preserves)

1 oz. cinnamon simple syrup

PREPARATION

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake, and strain into your favorite drinking vessel over fresh ice. Add a dash of cinnamon and garnish with a fresh or dried fig slice.

Nicole Greenwell, beverage director for George Bistro located

Pensacola, Florida, adds, “All the Redwood Empire Whiskies are incredibly complex and well pondered. You can tell that there is a lot of love and passion that goes into each expression that they produce. The Pipe Dream has a high corn mash bill which worked incredibly well with one of our signature fig cocktails which needed a sweeter whiskey component. When it comes to mixing whiskey, I love vermouth and the Emerald Giant Rye. Its high rye mash bill makes a perfect Manhattan or Sazerac. The diversity of the Redwood Empire line plays well with many different flavors, citrus, herbs, fruit, smoke, spice, the sky’s the limit! Some of my favorite ingredients to use with this line of amazing spirits are ginger root, thyme, rosemary, ancho chilis, peaches, figs, honey, and citrus.”

When asked what bartenders appreciate about Redwood Empire Whiskey, Roger explains, “It’s very approachable, great for sipping, and produces exceptional balance and complexity in your favorite cocktail. From the beginner who’s scared of the word whiskey, to the seasoned vet, this spirit can please all palates.”

Creating whiskeys among the redwoods inspires the brand to do its part in preserving this perfectly balanced ecosystem where every element works in harmony. “As someone who looks to nature for comfort and solace, it’s always refreshing to find a brand whose environmentally conscience and willing to go that extra mile to give back. Adopting the “slow food” approach and applying it to their whisky, they are very meticulous and methodical when choosing their grain, barrel chars, maturation, blending and aging processes,” says Nicole. “They’ve even gone the

Texas Outlaw

Created by Roger McQueen

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ oz. Redwood Empire Emerald Giant

¾ oz. lemon juice

¼ oz. cane syrup

¼ oz. simple syrup

½ oz. blackberry purée

(or 4 fresh blackberries)

PREPARATION extra mile and have joined forces with Trees for the Future and One Tree Planted, and plant one tree for every bottle sold—planting over half a million trees to date.”

Combine all into shaker, shake-strain over fresh ice, top with ginger beer. Garnish with blackberries.

Roger adds, “I’m a huge outdoorsman, so anything that can be done for nature and wildlife conservation I am all in and will support. I had the opportunity to participate in a local tree planting event with Redwood Empire Whiskey and One Tree Planted for Earth Month in April 2022, it was a great experience!”