Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye

Emerald Giant Rye is a 45% ABV rye whiskey from Redwood Empire in California. The category listing files it under bourbon, but the name and the distributor's description both point to a rye-forward whiskey. That description calls it a blend of rye whiskies aged a minimum of three years, with spice, sweetness and a faint earthy note. Whiskeys built on rye usually lead with black pepper, baking spice and dried herbs. Expect a drier, crisper backbone than you'd get from a corn-heavy bourbon, with caramel or vanilla from the oak sitting underneath and rounding off the spice. At 45%, the whiskey has enough proof to keep its structure when diluted. Try it neat first in a Glencairn. The tapered bowl gathers the rye spice and the earthy top notes, and a short pour lets you pick them out before the alcohol dominates. If the first sip feels tight, add a few drops of room-temperature water. That loosens the pepper and tends to bring out the sweeter oak and vanilla. For slower sipping, use a rocks glass with one large cube. It chills the whiskey and dilutes it gradually, and it keeps the spice from turning sharp as it warms. The rye character suits stirred drinks. In an Old Fashioned, a rye like this gives you a peppery edge that a sugar cube and a few dashes of Angostura bitters will frame without covering. A Manhattan is the classic home for rye. Pair it with sweet vermouth and bitters, stir over ice, and serve up with a cherry or an orange peel. The whiskey's dry spice cuts through the vermouth's sweetness. In a Whiskey Sour, the rye's firmness stands up to lemon juice, and an egg white gives a softer texture if you want it. For a Highball, pour about two ounces over ice and top with soda water or a dry ginger ale. A lemon peel brings out the herbal notes, and the lighter dilution keeps the flavor clear. For food, rye of this style goes well with smoked meats, aged cheddar, and dark chocolate. The spice handles fat and salt well, while the sweeter oak notes match caramelized or roasted dishes.