Named after two different trees, the Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast California Bourbon is a bottled-in-bond bourbon that combines two different styles of bourbon: wheated and ryed. Sitting at 66% corn, the rest of the whiskey is comprised of rye, malted barley and wheat. Though not at equal parts, the wheat is just a dash at 4%.
So is it really fair to say that this bonded bourbon is a true mix of mash bills when no other wheated bourbon uses so little wheat? I guess not. I see what they’re doing, and good on them for trying, but at the end of the day is 4% wheat going to make a significant difference to the profile? Not likely, but then again, maybe it’s the secret ingredient that makes this thing rock.
Let’s get to drinkin’ and find out.
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast California Bourbon – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Style: Bourbon (Straight)
Region: California, USA
Distiller: RedWood Empire
Mash Bill: 69% Corn, 22% Rye, 5% Malted Barley, 4% Wheat
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 5 Years
ABV: 50%
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast California Bourbon Price: $90*
Related Whiskey
Redwood Empire Rocket Top Rye
Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye
Redwood Empire American Whiskey
Frey Ranch Bourbon
New Riff Bourbon
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast California Bourbon Tasting Notes
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Caramel, oak, roasted nuts, candied citrus, old leather and Twizzlers with a slight bit of dried fruit.
Warm, approachable, pleasant, I’m enjoying this so far.
PALATE
Caramel, oak, vanilla, baking spice, black tea and some cereal sweetness with a touch of copper chalky cocoa and leather.
Sweet and earthy, but unfortunately, heavily, dry and tannic.
FINISH
Medium-long -> Caramel, oak and cereal sweetness
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Decent balance, medium body, ultra-dry feel.
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast California Bourbon – Overall Thoughts and Score
Grizzly Beast is an apt name, because I feel like I have a ball of fur in my mouth; it’s quite a dry, tannic, whiskey. Very few whiskeys have dried out my mouth this fast, it’s like a cup of tea you forgot was steeping for over a half-hour. It’s definitely not undrinkable, but it pulls the moisture out my mouth quickly and feels like it leaves a film. It doesn’t, just feels like it from the dryness and doesn’t make me want another glass.
Setting aside said dryness and focusing on the aromas and flavors of this California Bourbon, it’s nice. I really dig the aroma and what you can taste on the palate is good. It’s an all-around pleasant whiskey, or at least it would be if I could drink more than one glass of it neat.
However, that intense dryness is alleviated when used in a cocktail. I used the last 1 oz of my Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast California Bourbon to make a small Old Fashioned and it was fantastic. Adding water did help a bit, and brought up the cocoa note, but I don’t like having to do that every time I sip a BiB.
SCORE: 2.5/5 (average, drinkable, possible minor flaws – C+ | 77-79)
*Disclosure: The sample for this bourbon review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast California Bourbon Review $90
Overall
2.5- Nose (3)
- Palate (2.5)
- Finish (2.5)
- BBF (2)