Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong High Wheat Bourbon

Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong High Wheat Bourbon: California's Ode to Wheat

Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong High Wheat Bourbon is a new four-grain expression that brings together the best of modern American whiskey making with Northern California craftsmanship. Crafted by marrying Redwood Empire's own grain-to-glass spirit with hand-selected, four- to fourteen-year-old high-wheat bourbons sourced from Kentucky and Indiana, Colonel Armstrong showcases Redwood Empire's philosophy that great whiskey is built through thoughtful blending. With wheat making up 30% of the overall mash bill, more than double that of many wheated bourbons, this release delivers a rich, rounded profile layered with notes of fruit, spice, and oak, shaped further by aging in Northern California's cool, foggy climate.

The whiskey draws its name from Colonel James Armstrong, whose foresight helped protect one of California's most treasured natural landscapes. In the 1870s, Armstrong transferred ownership of the land that would later become Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to his daughter Kate for "$1, love, and affection," helping preserve the ancient redwood forest for future generations. That enduring act of stewardship continues to inspire Redwood Empire's approach to both whiskey-making and conservation. Coordinates printed on each bottle lead whiskey enthusiasts to the Colonel Armstrong Tree, a towering, 1,400-year-old redwood behind the label, and Redwood Empire has helped plant more than 1.8 million trees through its reforestation initiatives since launching in 2019.

"Each component of this 'Ode to Wheat' is intentionally selected to serve a purpose, adding nuance, texture, and complexity, culminating in a high-wheated whiskey greater than the sum of its parts," said Master Blender Lauren Patz. Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn adds that the whiskey's strength lies in its balance: approachable from the first sip, yet revealing new layers of flavor and character the longer you spend with it.

Tasting Notes

Colonel Armstrong opens with ripe stone fruit, honeyed grain, and vanilla, unfolding alongside a nostalgic hint of strawberry jam sandwich, balanced by gentle baking spice and integrated oak. The mouthfeel is soft and rounded, delivering a smooth, layered sipping experience that reflects its high-wheat mash bill and thoughtful blending process.

Food Pairings

Colonel Armstrong's soft, fruit-forward profile pairs beautifully with lighter, warm-weather fare. Try it alongside grilled peaches, roasted chicken, or a charcuterie board with soft cheeses, or lean into its dessert-friendly notes with strawberry shortcake, vanilla bean crème brûlée, or fresh berry cobbler.

Serving Suggestions

Colonel Armstrong is best enjoyed neat or with a single large ice cube to fully appreciate its soft, rounded mouthfeel and layered stone fruit character. Its approachable, balanced profile also makes it a great choice for a simple Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour for those who prefer to mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this bourbon unique? Colonel Armstrong is a four-grain wheated bourbon that blends Redwood Empire's own California-distilled spirit with hand-selected, four- to fourteen-year-old high-wheat bourbons from Kentucky and Indiana. Its mash bill is 30% wheat, more than double that of many wheated bourbons.

What does it taste like? Expect ripe stone fruit, honeyed grain, and vanilla, with a nostalgic hint of strawberry jam sandwich, balanced by gentle baking spice and integrated oak.

What is the alcohol content? 45% ABV (90 proof).

What's the story behind the name? Colonel Armstrong is named for Colonel James Armstrong, who in the 1870s transferred the land that would become Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to his daughter for "$1, love, and affection," helping preserve the ancient redwood forest that still stands today.

How should I enjoy it? Neat or with a single large ice cube to fully experience its soft, rounded character, though it also holds up well in an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.

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