CEDAR RIDGE

Nestled in a picturesque stretch of the Heartlands, just outside the town of Swisher in Eastern Iowa, sits Cedar Ridge Vineyards, Winery, and Distillery. Family-owned by Jeff and Laurie Quint, Jeff serves as both Master Distiller and Master Winemaker at the small operation, which has an outsized reputation for quality. Cedar Ridge the first micro-distillery in the state began distilling vodka back in 2005 before moving onto fruit liqueurs and, eventually, bourbon, crafting Iowas first bourbon whiskey since Prohibition.Cedar Ridge meticulously oversees every step of production from grain to glass. They store and mill our corn and grain on-site. The grains are twice distilled to a higher proof, removing the impurities and resulting in a cleaner, more approachable sipping whiskey. The grains left over from distillation are hauled off as animal feed for local farmers.The whiskey is then transferred to barrels, where they allow the spirit to mature naturally, being stored in a non-temperature controlled rick house. Iowas inconsistent weather patterns are what aids in the expansion and contraction of the barrels, allowing the whiskey to absorb the rich aromas and flavors more quickly than in other regions. This natural aging process, however, leaves about 18 percent to the angels. Cedar Ridge Single Malt Whiskey is aged in wine barrels, yielding a rich spirit full of character. Because we are a winery AND a distillery, naturally we have an abundance of wine barrels. We chose to go with a more fruit-forward recipe for our new Single Malt to really utilize the depth of flavors we have created within our wine barrels, states Production Manager, Kolin Brighton. Winner of Best American Craft Whiskey at the 2016 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition.Pick up your bottle today!