Elevating Craft and Conservation with Redwood Empire Whiskey
For those who love the great outdoors, adventure isn’t just about the trails we explore or the peaks we climb—it’s about the choices we make along the way. Redwood Empire Whiskey has always understood this, crafting bold, complex spirits while giving back to the forests that inspire them. Now, with a new distillery and an expanded sustainability initiative, they’re proving that great whiskey and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Redwood Empire’s latest milestone is the acquisition of a state-of-the- art distillery, a move that increases their production capacity while deepening their commitment to sustainability. “The expanded distillery will allow us to increase our capacity and take things to the next level,” says Elliott Sneen, Brand Manager at Redwood Empire. “We’re not just thinking about whiskey production—we want to offer consumer experiences, distillery tours, a restaurant, and a tasting room. Plus, there will be exclusive whiskey releases.”
At the heart of this transformation is their new 24-inch Vendome still, which replaces the previous system that produced whiskey at just two gallons per minute. The upgrade is substantial, boosting output from 4-6 barrels per day to 12-14, enabling Redwood Empire to expand their offerings while maintaining their high standards of craft. 
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. For Redwood Empire’s Master Blender, Lauren Patz, the real magic happens in the details. “We build unique flavor profiles in our whiskey so you can build unique flavor profiles in your cocktails,” she explains. “Each whiskey has something to say,” Lauren adds. “It can all be used to create beautiful libations.”
Take Screaming Titan, which highlights the bright, floral notes of wheat, or Emerald Giant, which showcases a gentler, more herbal side of rye. These are whiskeys made for exploration, each offering a new way to experience the craft of distilling.
Beyond the Bottle: Sustainability in Action
For Redwood Empire, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a mission. Their Shake, Pour, Plant initiative, launched in honor of Earth Month, partners with bars and restaurants to support large-scale tree-planting efforts. The goal? To give back to the very forests that have inspired their brand.
Since launching the initiative four years ago, Redwood Empire has helped plant over 1.7 million trees—but they’re not stopping there. “We’ve planted a lot of trees, but it still doesn’t feel like enough,” Elliott shares. “As a relatively young brand, involving bartenders and consumers in our efforts helps us give back even further, making a real difference.”
Through Shake, Pour, Plant, over 200 bars and restaurants have already signed up to participate, offering whiskey cocktails that directly contribute to reforestation. It’s more than just a campaign. It’s about creating a movement—one that brings people together to celebrate great whiskey while protecting the wild spaces we all love.
With their expanded distillery, Redwood Empire is also taking greater control over their grain sourcing and fermentation, allowing for more experimentation with mash bills while ensuring sustainable practices remain at the forefront. From milling their own grain to investing in efficient distilling methods, every step of their process is designed to minimize waste and maximize environmental impact.
Drink Whiskey, Plant Trees, Make an Impact
Redwood Empire Whiskey has always been about more than just the bottle. It’s about community, adventure, and stewardship—values that resonate with anyone who finds solace in the outdoors. For those who see whiskey as more than just a drink but as part of a greater story, Redwood Empire offers something unique: a spirit that fuels adventure while giving back to the land. So next time you raise a glass, know that you’re toasting to something bigger—a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and the forests that make it all possible.
Because at the end of the day, whiskey and the wilderness share one thing in common: the best ones take time to grow.
