Redwood Empire Whiskey - History & Foundation

: Step 1
Our Name
Our name comes from the land we call home—Northern California’s Redwood Empire. Once blanketed by ancient trees stretching the length of the coast, this 420-mile forest was one of the most majestic ecosystems on earth. Today, less than 3% of that original redwood forest remains. What’s left stands protected in pockets thanks to early conservationists like John Muir. Many of these towering icons—like “Pipe Dream,” the 14th largest redwood on earth, and “Emerald Giant,” the fastest-growing tree in the world—have inspired the names of our whiskies.

: Step 2
Founder Derek Benham
In 2013, founder Derek Benham saw potential in this region’s cool, temperate climate—perfect for aging whiskey slowly and evenly. Two years later, we broke distillery ground in the small town of Graton, nestled in the Russian River Valley and surrounded by redwoods. With Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn at the helm, we began crafting our first barrels while also traveling cross-country to source mature whiskey to complement our own distillate.

: Step 3
HONORING THE REDWOODS
For four years, we waited. Tasting, refining, blending, producing and sourcing more. When the time came to bottle, we honored the ancient forests around us and named our whiskey Redwood Empire. Every expression is tied to a protected tree and carries a quote from John Muir, the father of our national parks.

: Step 4
DRIVEN BY COMMITMENT
Driven by a commitment to bold, expressive California whiskey, we’ve built the largest inventory of aging whiskey in the state—despite being limited to producing just four barrels a day. In 2025, a decade after laying down our first barrel, we moved operations to Mare Island, north of San Francisco, where we’ve tripled capacity to 14 barrels a day. Still small by industry standards—where many distilleries produce well over 300 barrels daily—we choose to go slow, with intent. We pride ourselves in our Northern California regionality and each choice we make is deliberating made to craft a distinct whiskey that is smooth, complex and full of grain character.

: Step 5
HELPING RESTORE FORESTS
We believe in giving back, and we’re helping restore forests. We support Save the Redwoods League, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the redwood forests that define our home. And through our partnership with Trees for the Future, an international reforestation organization, we’ve planted over 1.7 million trees—with more going in the ground every year.