Redwood Empire Whiskey: Graton, Mare Island, History and Visitor Guide
Updated: 23 hours ago
Redwood Empire is a California whiskey producer with two locations in its recent story: its former Graton base in Sonoma County and the newer Mare Island distillery in Vallejo. The producer dates the move to 2025, so a current visit should not be planned using the old Graton address.
Its portfolio combines distilling and blending. Some expressions contain mature whiskey sourced from other producers alongside the company's own stocks; a California brand name is not proof that every component was distilled in California.
Redwood Empire Whiskey (Graton Distilling Co.) at a glance
Key fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Current destination | Mare Island, Vallejo, California |
Earlier production site | Graton, Sonoma County |
Project origin | Derek Benham's whiskey project dates to 2013 |
Production move | Sonoma County 2015–2025; Mare Island from 2025 |
Whiskey styles | Bourbon, rye and blends |
Key range | Pipe Dream, Emerald Giant, Lost Monarch and special releases |
Public visits | Bookable Mare Island tours and experiences |
Research checked 26 October 2026. Visitor schedules, release plans and availability may change.
In this guide
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Redwood Empire Whiskey (Graton Distilling Co.): history and development
Derek Benham developed the Redwood Empire project in 2013, drawing its identity from Northern California's redwood landscape. Work on the Graton production operation followed, and the distillery accumulated its own maturing stocks while developing blends with older sourced whiskey.
The move to Mare Island brought production into a former naval setting. Redwood Empire's own FAQ places the transition in 2025, with visitor experiences now centred on Vallejo. That makes Graton an important part of the history rather than the current tour destination.
People, ownership and identity
The producer identifies Jeff Duckhorn as master distiller and Lauren Patz as master blender. Those roles reflect two complementary tasks: creating new spirit and selecting mature components for consistent or deliberately distinctive releases.
The tree-inspired names identify expressions, not individual distillery sites. A record for Pipe Dream should also distinguish its usual release from the separately labelled 101 Reserve Lot.
How the whisky is made
The production account describes California-grown grains, milling, several mash recipes and fermentation lasting approximately three to five days. Copper equipment and different production choices support bourbon, rye and other styles.
Maturation age, grain recipe and origin must be checked at expression level. A range of component ages in a blend is not automatically a label age statement. Equally, barrel-proof releases should not inherit the strength of a standard bottling.
Whisky range and release identities
The following entries describe documented releases or, where explicitly stated, an announced future whisky. They are not claims of current stock or independent Whisky Clan tasting scores.
Key fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon | Standard Pipe Dream bourbon; the photographed label shows 45% ABV. Producer component ages span several years and should not be converted into a 14-year age statement. |
Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye | A separate rye expression. Different recipe figures appear on the producer page, so exact mash percentages are held for label-level reconciliation. |
Redwood Empire Lost Monarch | A blend of rye whiskey and bourbon. The producer describes a 55:45 rye-whiskey-to-bourbon split, which is not a grain mash bill. |
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream 101 Reserve Lot | The separately labelled 101-proof bottling, equivalent to 50.5% ABV; do not merge it with standard Pipe Dream. |
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon
Release milestones and recognition
The most important recent operational milestone is the 2025 site move. The range also includes limited and higher-strength bottlings whose edition details matter more than a generic list of medals.
Whisky Clan has not assigned its own tasting score to these expressions in this guide. Producer descriptions and later independent reviews remain separate.
Visiting and current practical information
The producer gives 1095 Nimitz Avenue, Vallejo, CA 94592 as its current visitor address. Tours, classes and other experiences are bookable at Mare Island; use the live booking calendar rather than assuming walk-in access to production areas.
The existing directory entry retains the former Graton location as historical context. Check the current venue, age rules and availability before travelling, and arrange transport that does not require driving after a tasting.
Explore more Whisky Clan distillery guides
These guides offer regional and stylistic comparisons. They are not all nearby stops on a single-day itinerary; check distances and current visitor arrangements separately.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Redwood Empire still in Graton?
Graton is the former Sonoma County production base. The producer dates its move to Mare Island to 2025.
Is every component distilled by Redwood Empire?
No. Its range includes blends using sourced mature whiskey as well as its own stocks; origin depends on the expression.
Is Pipe Dream 101 the same record as standard Pipe Dream?
It is a separately labelled 101-proof release and should remain distinguishable from the standard bottle.
Where are current tours?
At the Mare Island destination in Vallejo. Check the producer's current booking page and visitor address.
Sources and photograph credits
The links below support the history, production and expression-specific details. Checked on 26 October 2026. Product pages do not by themselves establish current stock, legal image permissions or an independent review.
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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