This was a trip we had been eagerly anticipating, and it did not disappoint. Our hosts (Megan and Brittany) were awesome. Murphy Quint (Master Distiller) not only shared some great insight into Cedar Ridge history and back stories but gave us great access to the distillery. And was very willing to oblige us for some b-roll footage. And add to that the extra insight that Jason Siefken gave us, and wow what a visit.
This distillery is almost right in our backyard. Normally, we all pile into one vehicle with all the equipment and drive for hours to get to a distillery. But, this being Cedar Ridge and right down the road from where we all live, it was a short drive for each of us. (around 30 minutes). Bonus!
While the day started out overcast and a little rainy, it eventually turned into a pretty perfect day outside which made getting some outdoor shots super easy.
The Cedar Ridge property is absolutely beautiful. The distillery, tasting room/bar, and event center are surrounded by their vineyards. Cedar Ridge started out as a winery and they make some great Iowa wines. And whether you believe it or not, the tasting room/event center looks out over the rolling hills here in Eastern Iowa.
Yes, Iowa has hills. It's not all flat. Don't believe me? Come check it out. I dare ya.
Yes, there is soybean fields and corn fields. Matter of fact, there is a corn field that butts up against one side of their property. And since Bourbon has to be at least 51% corn, it's handy having corn right next door. I swear I could hear a voice when I was walking in the corn.
Cedar Ridge is not your normal small craft distillery. They are doing contract distilling for a few brands. They have all sorts of wines for the wine drinker. They have a partnership with a band you may have heard of - SlipKnot ( Who by the way are from Des Moines, Iowa). And, they are putting out several different whiskey expressions (check out the flagship tasting video HERE) or watch it below.
The amount of whiskey they are making in such a small space is amazing. It's worth a trip out to the distillery to see their operation. There are several large barrel sheds already on the property and it seems like they are poised for even more expansion.
Something not to miss about this distillery, they were thinking ahead of the game back in the day. Murphy Quint's father, Jeff Quint, was instrumental in getting the laws in Iowa changed for distilling spirits. So, not only are they making some great spirits, but they are historic as well.
Murphy Quint took us back to the warehouse where as he said, "this is my playground". He was like a kid in a candy store as he pointed out barrel after barrel and could tell stories about them all. Where they came from, what's in them, the last time he sampled from it. It was a fun journey.
And, one of their latest releases is the Quintessential Single Malt that has received some rave reviews from Fred Minnick and others. Hit the link HERE to see it or watch it below.
Murphy treated us to tapping a barrel of his QuintEssential that was being finished in a special barrel. And oh my! This was something special. I wanted to drink everything that was in my glass but this needed to be experienced by the rest of the crew. It's fair to say I will keep my eyes open for these finished expressions of QuintEssential.
One other thing of note about Cedar Ridge. They own their backyard. Maybe it's because we are proud Iowans. However, I haven't been to a state where the people aren't proud of what their state produces. So I don't think that's the whole reason. But their Bourbon outsells every other Bourbon in the state of Iowa. Including Big Bourbon. Yep, above Jack Daniels, Jim Beam and Makers Mark. Cedar Ridge Bourbon is #1. Sorry Kentucky, not sorry.
Come to Cedar Ridge for a pour. Have a wood fired pizza and sit outside on the patio and enjoy a fire. But come. Try their whiskeys. Your taste buds deserve this experience.
As was famously said in a movie..."Is this Heaven? No, It's Iowa."
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