Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Toasted Triple Finish Bourbon
The Stats
- Distillery: Redwood Empire Whiskey
- Location: Graton, CA
- Type: Bourbon
- Style: Triple Toasted Finish
- Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
- Age: NAS
- Mash Bill: 73% Corn, 18% Rye, 5% Malted Barley, 4% Wheat
- Release: Limited / Ongoing Release
- MSRP: $50
CLICK THE VIDEO TO PLAY ↓
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Toasted Triple Finish is a clear step up from the standard Pipe Dream, bringing more depth, more texture, and a surprisingly balanced take on toasted bourbon. The question is simple. Does triple finishing actually add complexity, or does it push the whiskey too far into over-oaked territory?
Positioned as an experimental extension of the Pipe Dream line, this release leans into layered oak influence, using three different finishing barrels to reshape a bourbon that typically sits in the approachable, everyday category. More wood should mean more flavor, more structure, and more uniqueness. But it also raises the risk. With toasted finishes, there’s a fine line between added richness and overdone dryness.
A Familiar Base, A More Ambitious Finish
Pipe Dream has always been a solid, easy-drinking bourbon. Nothing overly complex, nothing offensive, just a dependable pour at a fair price. Triple Finish shifts that identity. It keeps the same foundation but pushes it in a more expressive, layered direction.
What you get is a profile that still feels familiar at its core, but with noticeable additions that change the experience. The toasted influence is immediate, but it doesn’t completely take over. Instead, it works alongside the traditional bourbon notes, adding contrast rather than replacing them.
It’s not trying to reinvent the category. It’s trying to elevate a baseline bourbon into something more interesting. And for the most part, it succeeds.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Oak-forward right away, but not overwhelming. Vanilla and caramel sit underneath, with a layer of baking spice and a toasted, dessert-like quality.
There’s a marshmallow and graham cracker note that comes across like a s’more without the chocolate. As it opens, a shift toward tart cherry and light coffee adds some depth. Slightly drying on the nose, but still inviting and easy to revisit.
Taste
Surprisingly balanced. Caramel and vanilla lead, followed by a mix of nutty sweetness and tart fruit. Pecan pie and cherry pie come through together, creating a profile that feels both rich and slightly bright.
The toasted barrels show up clearly, but they don’t dominate. Instead of becoming overly dry or bitter, the palate stays creamy and rounded, which keeps everything in check.
There’s still a traditional bourbon backbone here, but with an added layer that makes each sip feel a little more dynamic.
Finish
Medium length with a gradual shift toward toasted oak and light dryness.
There’s a natural tannic quality that comes through, but it never crosses into harsh territory. The finish leans warm and slightly earthy, with lingering spice and a subtle dryness that reflects the added barrel influence.
It’s noticeable, but controlled.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
7.5 / 10 - Good
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Toasted Triple Finish delivers more than expected. Where the standard Pipe Dream feels simple, this adds depth and texture without losing its easy-drinking nature. The biggest win is balance. Triple finishing could have pushed this into over-oaked territory, but it stays controlled, letting the added wood enhance rather than dominate.
At $50, the value holds. It’s a meaningful upgrade over the base bottle without a major price jump.
This is for drinkers who enjoy toasted finishes but don’t want something overly dry or aggressive. If you like bottles such as Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky or Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, this lands in a similar lane, just lighter, a bit more approachable, and less dessert-forward.
It won’t replace higher-end toasted releases, but it doesn’t need to. It takes a familiar bourbon and makes it more complete, more interesting, and more worth revisiting. And in a category where toasted finishes are starting to blur together, that’s enough to stand out.
Related Reviews We Think You’ll Enjoy
Shop the Artfully Bourbon Mercantile
Artfully Mash'd: A limited release celebrating America's Native Spirit
Some mash bills don’t just make bourbon—they define it. The Standard pays homage to the quintessential Kentucky recipe that’s been setting the bar for generations. With its corn-forward sweetness, rye spice, and a touch of malted barley, it’s the blueprint most distillers measure themselves against.
Made from ultra-soft, ring-spun cotton with a classic unisex fit, this shirt is the dependable daily sipper of your wardrobe: always right, never fussy, and built to last. Perfect for bottle shares, distillery tours, or any day you want to rep bourbon’s backbone.
Product Features
-
Soft, breathable 100% combed ring-spun cotton
-
Ribbed knit collar for shape retention
-
Side seams and shoulder taping for durability and structure
-
Unisex fit, perfect for everyday wear
Care Instructions
-
Machine wash cold (max 30C / 90F)
-
Tumble dry low or hang dry
-
Do not bleach
-
Iron on low heat if needed
-
Do not dry clean
