In the heart of America's Midwest, where cornfields stretch as far as the eye can see, a family-run distillery has been quietly building a reputation for crafting spirits that blend old-world techniques with homegrown grit. Cedar Ridge Distillery, tucked between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, is celebrating two decades in the game with something special: their first Anniversary Edition Bourbon. This isn't just another bottle on the shelf—it's a nod to the hard work, trial and error, and bold experiments that turned a simple vineyard into a powerhouse of American whiskey.
The story starts back in 2003, when Jeff and Laurie Quint spotted a piece of land that screamed potential. They snapped it up, planting vines and dreaming of wine. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and by 2004, Jeff started tinkering with the idea of distilling spirits. It wasn't long before they made it official—on August 16, 2005, Cedar Ridge got the green light to produce booze. Fast forward to 2014, and their son Murphy steps in, bringing fresh energy that kicks things into high gear. Under his watch, the place evolves, diving deep into bourbon innovation and even pioneering American Single Malt. Today, they've got more than 200 finishing casks on site, each one adding layers of flavor that set their whiskeys apart.
This Anniversary Edition Bourbon is Murphy Quint's way of tipping his hat to that journey. As the master distiller, he wanted to create something that bridges the distillery's wine roots with its bourbon expertise. "To mark our 20th anniversary, I wanted to create a whiskey that honors our beginnings while also representing what we've evolved into," he explained. "This release unites two cornerstones of our history—Iowa bourbon and wine—with the craft we've mastered in recent years: blending cask-finished whiskeys. The result is a wine-cask finished bourbon, a truly special release that brings our journey full circle."
What makes this bourbon stand out? It all begins with the basics—the mashbill that's become Cedar Ridge's calling card. We're talking 74 percent Iowa-grown corn for that sweet, robust base, mixed with 14 percent rye for a bit of spice, and 12 percent malted barley to smooth things out. They distill it down to 110 proof, which clocks in at 55 percent ABV, giving it enough kick to satisfy without overwhelming the senses.
But the real magic happens in the finishing process. Murphy takes this straight bourbon and lets it mature in a lineup of casks that scream sophistication without getting pretentious. First up are Tokaji casks, which bring a touch of Hungarian sweetness—think honeyed notes that linger on the palate. Then there's Ruby Port, adding rich, fruity depth with hints of berries and a subtle warmth. Amontillado Sherry casks contribute a nutty dryness, balancing everything out with an earthy edge. And to tie it all together, they use second-fill New American Oak barrels, which impart that classic vanilla and caramel backbone bourbon lovers crave, but with a gentler touch since it's not the first time around.
The end result? A bourbon that's complex yet approachable, perfect for those evenings when you want to savor something meaningful. It's got the boldness of Iowa's agricultural heartland, softened by the elegance of wine-barrel finishing—a technique that's been Cedar Ridge's secret weapon for years. At $59.99 a bottle, it's not breaking the bank, but it's limited, so folks in Iowa or shopping online at the distillery's site better act fast. Head over to cedarridgedistillery.com/whiskeys/anniversary-edition-bourbon/ to grab one before they're gone.
Digging deeper into Cedar Ridge's evolution, it's clear this isn't just about making whiskey—it's about family and pushing limits. Jeff and Laurie's leap from grapes to grains set the stage, but Murphy's arrival marked a turning point. He ramped up the creativity, experimenting with finishes that blend bourbon's straightforward punch with wine's nuanced layers. Over the years, they've built a program that's as much about storytelling as it is about sipping. Each barrel tells part of the tale: the early days of trial runs in the vineyard, the pivot to spirits when regulations finally aligned, and the bold moves into new territories like single malts.
For anyone who's followed American whiskey's rise, Cedar Ridge represents that underdog spirit—the kind where hard-working folks turn local ingredients into world-class products. Iowa corn isn't just filler here; it's the star, grown right in the backyard and distilled with care. The rye adds that peppery bite, reminding you of bourbon's rebellious side, while the malted barley keeps it all in check, like a wise old friend steering the conversation.
This anniversary release isn't flashy marketing—it's genuine craftsmanship born from 20 years of lessons learned. Imagine cracking open a bottle after a long day, pouring a neat glass, and tasting the evolution: the initial corn sweetness giving way to port's fruitiness, sherry's nuttiness weaving in, and oak's warmth wrapping it up. It's the kind of bourbon that sparks conversations around the fire pit or at the backyard grill, where guys swap stories about their own journeys.
Cedar Ridge has come a long way from that initial vineyard plot. With over 200 casks now in rotation, they're not slowing down. This bourbon is more than a milestone—it's a promise of what's next, blending tradition with innovation in a way that feels authentically American. If you're looking to add a piece of Midwest history to your collection, this is it. Just remember, supplies won't last forever, so whether you're in Iowa or ordering from afar, now's the time to raise a glass to two decades of dedication.
