Overview: California’s Redwood Empire has introduced a one-off blend containing four distinct styles of whiskey, including the brand’s own single malt. The Hyperion Inaugural Batch 001 represents the first release in a new series where each edition will be distinct and never repeated. Components sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee are matured in Northern California before release in August 2026.
The Full Story
Redwood Empire Whiskey has confirmed that master distiller and blender team Jeff Duckhorn and Lauren Patz have kicked off a new series of limited edition American whiskeys with The Hyperion Inaugural Batch 001. Named for the world’s tallest living tree, the blend is said to have been designed to showcase the remarkable barrel inventory curated by Redwood Empire since the company’s inception in 2013. Lauren Patz described the release as an exercise in artistry that brings to light the depth and diversity of the barrel inventory.
The blend comprises 32% Bourbon, 30% rye whiskey, 25% wheat whiskey and 13% single malt, representing more than 10 different mashbills across the four styles. As well as single malt produced at Redwood Empire’s distillery in Sonoma County, California, the blend contains components from distilleries in Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee. These were combined and reduced to between 110 and 120 proof (55-to-60% ABV), married in char no3 barrels, and further matured in the cool climate of Northern California.
Production & Profile
The resulting blended whiskey is described by its producer as a flavour bomb with notes of walnuts, apricots, pomegranate molasses, stone fruit, cream and baking spices. Jeff Duckhorn noted that exploration has always been central to Redwood Empire, from making whiskey in Northern California to blending across regions, ages and styles. The first batch celebrates where the company began, revealing what has been quietly maturing within their inventory.
Brand & Industry History
In January 2025, the company announced it would acquire Savage & Cook distillery on Mare Island, north of San Francisco, in order to expand production to meet growing demand. Earlier this year, the firm named ex-Diageo VP Wade McKasson as its new chief sales officer. The Hyperion asks whiskey drinkers to look beyond the familiar, with each annual release inviting people to experience whiskey from a different perspective.
What This Means
Each release in the new series will be distinct and never repeated, establishing a policy of exclusivity for the collection. The inaugural batch celebrates where Redwood Empire began, revealing what has been quietly maturing within their inventory since 2013. This approach invites consumers to experience whiskey from a different perspective through curiosity matched with patience and purpose.
Consumer Takeaway
The Hyperion Inaugural Batch 001 is available to preorder now directly from Redwood Empire Whiskey and select US retailers including Total Wine & More and Specs. It carries an RRP of US$99 per 750ml bottle at 55% ABV, offering a limited edition American whiskey blend for enthusiasts seeking distinct styles and regional diversity in their collection.
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