Redwood Empire Lost Monarch American Whiskey 750ML

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch American Whiskey 750ML is a California-produced bourbon and rye blend bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) in a 750ml format. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the 2020 SIP Awards and stands as one of the more ambitious American whiskey blends to emerge from the West Coast, combining aged stocks ranging from 3 to 12 years old.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof)  |  Origin: Sonoma County, California  |  Blend of 4–12 Year Bourbon & 3–5 Year Rye  |  Distillery: Graton Distilling Company

Production & Heritage

Lost Monarch is produced by Graton Distilling Company in Sonoma County, California, under the direction of founder Derek Benham and master distiller Jeff Duckhorn. The blend marries 60% rye whiskey (built on a 95% rye, 5% malted barley mashbill) with 40% bourbon whiskey (75% corn, 21% raw rye, 4% malted barley), pulling from stocks aged between 3 and 12 years. The barrels mature along the Northern California coastline, where the consistent maritime climate and humidity promote slow, even extraction from the oak — a fundamentally different aging profile than the temperature swings typical of Kentucky or Tennessee warehouses.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clove and cinnamon arrive first, followed by layers of vanilla and orange citrus zest. Beneath those top notes, a warm butterscotch sweetness mingles with an intriguing hint of sandalwood.

Taste: The entry is soft and honeyed, with the bourbon's corn-driven sweetness meeting the rye's assertive spice on the mid-palate. Flavors of maple syrup and caramel build toward a peak of cinnamon and baking spice, creating a balanced interplay that neither component dominates. The mouthfeel is rounded and medium-bodied despite the 90-proof strength.

Finish: Vanilla and caramel linger at first, gradually giving way to a persistent yet subdued peppery warmth. The finish is moderate in length with a dry, spice-forward close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Lost Monarch

Neat or with a single ice cube lets the bourbon-rye interplay speak clearly; a few drops of water open up the sandalwood and citrus aromatics without diluting the proof too aggressively. In cocktails, its dual-grain character makes it remarkably versatile:

• Manhattan: The rye backbone and caramel sweetness hold their own against sweet vermouth without turning cloying.
• Old Fashioned: Vanilla, clove, and orange zest notes amplify the classic bitters-and-sugar framework.
• Boulevardier: The blend's spice cuts through Campari's bitterness while the bourbon's sweetness keeps the drink in balance.

Best For

• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who enjoys exploring bourbon-rye hybrids
• Side-by-side tastings comparing California coastal aging to Kentucky warehouse styles
• Building a home bar anchored by versatile, cocktail-friendly American whiskey
• Introducing experienced bourbon drinkers to rye-forward blends without overwhelming spice

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lost Monarch taste like? Lost Monarch delivers honeyed sweetness from its bourbon component alongside cinnamon, clove, and peppery spice from the high-rye whiskey, with caramel and maple syrup flavors bridging the two. The overall impression is soft yet spicy, with a dry, lingering finish.

How does Lost Monarch compare to High West Bourye? Multiple reviewers have drawn direct comparisons to High West's discontinued Bourye, noting similar bourbon-rye hybrid profiles, though Lost Monarch is not an exact replacement. Lost Monarch leans slightly more rye-forward at 60% rye content and benefits from California coastal aging rather than Utah mountain conditions.

Is Lost Monarch good for sipping neat? At 90 proof, Lost Monarch sits in a comfortable range for neat sipping — full-flavored enough to reward slow exploration but not so hot that it demands dilution. The blend's soft entry and balanced spice make it approachable for most palates.

Where is Lost Monarch made? Lost Monarch is produced by Graton Distilling Company in Sonoma County, California. The whiskey ages along the Northern California coastline, where the maritime climate provides the consistent temperature and humidity that define its smooth extraction character.

What foods pair well with Lost Monarch? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the caramel and clove notes; aged cheddar echoes the whiskey's butterscotch richness; dark chocolate highlights the sandalwood and vanilla; pecan pie mirrors the maple sweetness; and grilled stone fruit like peaches bridges the citrus zest and honey flavors.

What sizes does Lost Monarch come in? Lost Monarch is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Lost Monarch worth the price? Lost Monarch positions as a mid-premium American whiskey, competing against other multi-aged blends in the category. Its range of 3-to-12-year-old stocks, coastal aging provenance, and consistent award recognition — including a Double Gold at the SIP Awards and 94 points from Cigar & Spirits Magazine — provide strong value at its price tier.

Why Lost Monarch?

The 60/40 rye-to-bourbon ratio is not just a blending decision — it produces a whiskey that genuinely occupies space between categories, giving drinkers both the corn-sweetness of bourbon and the herbal bite of high-rye whiskey in a single pour. Coastal Sonoma County aging sets Lost Monarch apart from the vast majority of American whiskeys, which rely on the heat cycling of inland rickhouses for barrel interaction. The inclusion of stocks aged up to 12 years gives the blend a depth and complexity that punches above many comparably priced offerings. With a Double Gold at the 2020 SIP Awards, Gold at the 2019 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards, and 94 points from Cigar & Spirits Magazine, Lost Monarch has built a credible track record across multiple judging panels.