Named after the Van Duzen River, which flows through 429 square miles of redwood groves in Northern California and honors explorer James Van Duzen, Van Duzen Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 001 is a 45-barrel small lot release. It is distilled grain-to-glass with a mashbill of 67% rye, 31% malted barley and 2% wheat. It rests at 94 proof.
The palate is viscous and sweet, with cantaloupe, applesauce, marmalade, and pepper spice. The finish is smooth, with vanilla, honey sweetness, and chile pepper spice.
hile Van Duzen won't likely live rent-free in our heads for long after this glass, it did reaffirm the promise this small lot series will undoubtedly hold fun projects in future offerings from Redwood Empire.
