Redwood Empire Devils Tower High Rye Bourbon

The tree is named after the monument. The bourbon is named after the tree.

Devils Tower is a coast redwood in Redwood National Park, 340 feet tall and 9 feet across. Redwood Empire says the tree took its name from the rock formation in Wyoming. The bourbon has nothing to do with Wyoming beyond that, as brand manager Elliott Sneen told us: "no association aside from the name." The tree's GPS coordinates are printed on the neck.

"High rye" has no legal definition. Bourbon has to be at least 51% corn, and the distiller decides how much rye goes into the rest. In Batch 003 it's 38% rye, with 54% corn, 4% wheat and 4% malted barley. The first batch ran 45% rye. Sneen says the drop probably came down to palate and how the barrels pulled together.

It's part of Redwood Empire's Small Lot Series, which the distillery uses to show off a secondary grain. Batch 003 was blended from 69 barrels, all distilled grain to glass, and it carries "Straight Bourbon Whiskey" on the label. Sneen finds it earthy, with "some of that sort of like cherry cola-esque" quality layered with spice. His word for it is "Dr. Peppery."

Look closely at the bark on the label. Sneen says there are six or seven wolves hidden in it.

At 99 proof it works neat and holds its own in an Old Fashioned.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: hay, licorice, eucalyptus, lingonberry
• Palate: grapefruit pith, cardamom, crisp mint, tobacco
• Color: burnt orange

Bottle Specifications

• Category: Straight bourbon whiskey (high rye)
• Series: Small Lot Series, Batch 003
• Age: No age statement (as a straight bourbon, at least four years old)
• Mash bill: 54% corn, 38% rye, 4% wheat, 4% malted barley
• Barrels: 69
• Cask: Toasted, char 3
• Proof / ABV: 99 proof / 49.5%
• Distillery: Redwood Empire, Northern California
• Bottle size: 750ml

Poured by Bourbon-of-the-Month Club Explorer members in July 2026.

FAQ

What does "high rye" mean?
There's no legal definition. A bourbon has to be at least 51% corn, and "high rye" means the distiller gave rye a bigger share of the rest than usual. This batch is 38% rye.

Does this bourbon have anything to do with Devils Tower in Wyoming?
Only the name. The bourbon is named for a coast redwood in Redwood National Park, and that tree is named for the Wyoming landmark.

Why do reviews list a different mash bill?
Most reviews cover Batch 001, which was 45% rye from 25 barrels. Batch 003 is 38% rye from 69 barrels. Each batch prints its own mash bill on the label.