Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is a 94 proof (47% ABV) wheated bourbon crafted from a four-grain mash bill of 59% corn, 30% wheat, 6% rye, and 5% malted barley. That hefty wheat content delivers a softer, rounder style of bourbon while the touch of rye and oak keeps things structured. Expect ripe fruit, honeyed grain, vanilla, and gentle baking spice up front, making this a genuinely satisfying pour for the price.
Redwood Empire built this bottle as a 122-barrel blend, pairing their own grain-to-glass whiskey with select high-wheat bourbons sourced from Kentucky and Indiana. Components range from roughly four to fourteen years old, so you get the vibrancy of younger barrels balanced against the deep oak character of the older stock — a thoughtful approach that reflects Redwood Empire's California craft distilling roots blended with proven Midwest bourbon pedigree.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Ripe orchard fruit, honeyed grain, warm vanilla, light toasted oak
- Palate: Brown sugar sweetness, baked apple, vanilla bean, gentle cinnamon spice, soft oak
- Finish: Medium length with lingering honey, warm baking spice, and a whisper of char
Product Details
| Spirit Type | Wheated Bourbon Whiskey |
|---|---|
| ABV | 47% (94 Proof) |
| Volume | 750mL |
| Age Statement | Blend, 4–14 Years |
| Distillery | Redwood Empire |
| Mash Bill | 59% Corn, 30% Wheat, 6% Rye, 5% Malted Barley |
Perfect For
This wheated bourbon fits right into everyday whiskey life. Pour it neat for weeknight sipping when you want something with real depth but nothing fussy. It's an easy call for BBQ and game day, standing up to smoky ribs and salty snacks alike. Stock it as a home bar essential since its balanced sweetness makes it just as good in an Old Fashioned as it is on its own. And at this price point, it's a smart gift idea for the bourbon lover on any budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Colonel Armstrong a "wheated" bourbon?
It uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, at a notably high 30% of the mash bill, which softens the whiskey and highlights sweeter, rounder flavors like honeyed grain and baked fruit rather than sharp spice.
Is Redwood Empire Colonel Armstrong good for cocktails?
Yes, its balanced sweetness and moderate 94 proof make it versatile for classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, while it's still flavorful enough to sip neat or on the rocks.
How does this compare to other wheated bourbons?
If you enjoy the softer profile of wheated bourbons like Weller, Colonel Armstrong offers a similar approachable sweetness at a more accessible everyday price, thanks to its smart blend of sourced and house-distilled whiskey.
What age is the whiskey in this bottle?
Colonel Armstrong is a blend ranging from approximately four to fourteen years old, combining younger whiskey for bright, vibrant character with older barrels for deeper oak complexity.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.