Redwood Empire Lost Monarch
Overall Score: 6/10
Overall Value: 3.5/5
Distillery: Redwood Empire Distilling
Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys
Company: Purple Brands
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 90
Age: Blend of 3 to 14-year-old Bourbon & 3 to 14-year-old Rye Whiskey
Mashbill: 55% Rye, 45% Bourbon
Color: Lite Wheat
MSRP: $25-30 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose of the Redwood Empire Lost Monarch opens with a mix of light and sweet tones—vanilla, raisins, and Oatmeal Creme Pie meet a faint popcorn note and a sprinkle of black pepper. There’s also a touch of cedar and pine, giving it a gentle woodsy feel. Still, it leans subtle overall, with a faint artificial funk that keeps it from being completely clean.
The palate brings out the “bourye” blend in full, starting with a soft bourbon sweetness before shifting toward rye spice. flavors of cherry Starburst, dry graham cracker, and a touch of oak mingle with vanilla and faint char. The mouthfeel is surprisingly silky for the proof, but it doesn’t carry a ton of depth or complexity.
The finish is quick and dry, leaving behind light oak, vanilla, and a bit of cereal grain—think Cheerios and cornmeal. It’s not unpleasant, but it fades fast.
This bottle of Redwood Empire Lost Monarch feels best suited for newer whiskey drinkers or anyone who wants a gentle, balanced pour without a big proof punch. The flavors are pleasant and easygoing but lack the boldness or structure of their cask strength offerings to stand out in a crowded market.
At its MSRP, it’s a fair buy, especially if you find it on sale, but seasoned bourbon fans may find it a bit too mild for regular rotation. If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
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Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
Raisins, Oatmeal Creme pie, vanilla, and a bit of cedar and pine.
Typically I would really like these notes, but there is also a bit of an artificial funk.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel has a silky viscosity for only being 90 proof.
The beginning of the sip is mostly char and light oak.
The middle tasted like a cherry starburst, and the end was like a dry graham cracker.
THE FINISH:
I’m getting a bit of corn meal and cheerio aftertaste, but what is here doesn’t last particularly long.
BUY OR PASS?
For $30 it’s at least interesting, but I don’t love everything that it’s doing. I think there is a chance this could hit the right person’s palate well and be a pretty good value sipper for them, but it’s not for me.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
Very light and subtle, which makes sense at 90 proof. The first thing that comes to mind is plain popcorn, no butter.
There’s also some black pepper, a little vanilla, and even a touch of bubblegum—but everything feels muted, like the flavors are turned down halfway.
THE TASTE:
The bourye blend shows up nicely, starting with a standard bourbon profile before a hint of rye spice sneaks in at the end.
Simple and straightforward, but not bad at all.
THE FINISH:
Almost nothing sticks around.
Maybe a trace of vanilla and alcohol, and eventually a little oak if you wait long enough.
BUY OR PASS?
This bottle works well for someone new to sipping whiskey neat. It’s approachable, easygoing, and won’t scare anyone off.
But for seasoned bourbon drinkers, it’s going to feel too flat and lacking in depth—there’s just not much here to keep you interested.
