This distillery has become one of the great modern success stories in American whiskey. Founded by Derek Benham in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Redwood Empire converted an old apple canning facility into a working distillery in 2014 and quickly built a reputation for quality. They sourced high quality casks for core offerings and waited patiently for their excellent spirit to mature. Under the stewardship of Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn, they laid down their first barrels in 2016 and grew their in house stocks while continuing to bottle select sourced whiskey. That early strategy paid off. Their seamless transition to fully estate made whiskey has been met with roaring approval from enthusiasts and today their single barrels are almost impossible to secure. The fact that they are now releasing properly matured bourbon of this caliber is a testament to their patience, vision, and relentless focus on craft. The ridiculously successful Haystack Barrel Program returns with another standout cask, built on an unusual and compelling mashbill of 72 percent corn, 18 percent raw rye, 5 percent wheat, and 5 percent malted barley. Distilled December 9, 2016 and bottled without chillfiltration at a natural cask strength of 119 proof, it represents Redwood Empire at its best.