As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can share my insights on Redwood Empire, the Sonoma county distillery. Redwood Empire has gained recognition for its range of whiskeys, which includes both sourced and homemade varieties.
To answer the question directly, yes, Redwood Empire does source some of its whiskeys. Sourcing is a common practice in the whiskey industry, where distilleries purchase barrels of aged whiskey from other producers. These sourced whiskeys are then blended and sometimes further aged by the distillery to create unique flavor profiles.
Sourcing can be seen as a way for distilleries to offer a wider range of products while their own whiskey is still maturing. It allows them to bring high-quality, aged whiskeys to market more quickly. Many renowned distilleries follow this approach, and it's important to note that sourcing does not equate to a lack of craftsmanship or quality.
However, Redwood Empire also takes pride in their homemade whiskeys. They have their own distilling operations, where they produce their own spirits from scratch. This includes milling the grains, fermenting, distilling, and aging the whiskey on-site. This hands-on approach showcases their dedication to the craft and their desire to create unique and distinctive expressions.
I had the pleasure of tasting some of Redwood Empire's sourced and homemade whiskeys, and I must say that both were impressive in their own right. The sourced whiskeys displayed a depth of flavor and complexity that comes from years of aging, while the homemade whiskeys had a youthful vibrancy and a sense of the distillery's own style.
Redwood Empire's sourced whiskeys often come from reputable distilleries known for their quality. These barrels are carefully selected and blended by Redwood Empire's master blender to create a harmonious and balanced final product. This blending process is an art in itself, as it requires a keen palate and a deep understanding of whiskey flavors to achieve the desired outcome.
On the other hand, their homemade whiskeys offer a glimpse into the distillery's own style and creativity. These whiskeys may not have the same depth of aging as the sourced ones, but they showcase the craftsmanship and innovation of Redwood Empire. They offer a chance to experience the distillery's unique flavor profiles and the influence of their production methods.
Redwood Empire is a distillery that embraces both sourcing and homemade production methods. They source aged whiskeys from reputable producers and blend them to create unique expressions. Additionally, they produce their own whiskeys from scratch, showcasing their craftsmanship and creativity. This combination of sourced and homemade whiskeys allows Redwood Empire to offer a diverse range of high-quality spirits to whiskey enthusiasts.