Redwood Empire Releases 'Colonel Armstrong' Wheated Bourbon

VALLEJO, CA (June 25, 2026) – Redwood Empire Whiskey has officially expanded its portfolio with the introduction of Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon. This new, four-grain expression serves as California’s own “Ode to Wheated Bourbon,” intentionally crafted to deliver exceptional softness, balance, and complexity.

The new offering showcases Redwood Empire’s signature approach to modern whiskey-making, marrying the distillery’s own grain-to-glass California spirit with hand-selected, four- to fourteen-year-old high-wheat bourbons sourced from Kentucky and Indiana.

High-Wheat Mash Bill Aged in the Foggy Coast

While many wheated bourbons keep wheat percentages low, Colonel Armstrong features an impressive 30% wheat in its overall mash bill—more than double that of many traditional recipes.

The whiskey’s distinct sense of place is further enhanced by its aging process in Northern California’s cool, coastal fog, which allows the spirit to mature evenly while pulling unique characteristics from the oak.

Official Tasting Notes:

The Profile: A rich, rounded body layered with vibrant fruit, spice, and integrated oak.
Palate: Notes of ripe stone fruit, honeyed grain, and vanilla unfold alongside a nostalgic hint of a strawberry jam sandwich, balanced by gentle baking spice.

A Tribute to Conservation & Redwood History

The whiskey draws its name from Colonel James Armstrong, a visionary who helped protect one of California’s most treasured natural landscapes. In the 1870s, Armstrong transferred ownership of the land that became the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to his daughter for “$1, love, and affection” to preserve the forest.

Continuing this heritage, each bottle features GPS coordinates leading enthusiasts directly to the Colonel Armstrong Tree—a towering, 1,400-year-old redwood. Furthermore, since its launch in 2019, Redwood Empire has planted more than 1.8 million trees through its dedicated reforestation initiatives.

In Their Words

“Each component of this ‘Ode to Wheat’ is intentionally selected to serve a purpose, adding nuance, texture, complexity and culminating in a high-wheated whiskey greater than the sum of its parts,” said Master Blender Lauren Patz.

“The beauty of this whiskey is its balance. It’s approachable from the first sip but continues to reveal new layers of flavor and character as you spend time with it,” said Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn.