Tasting Notes
- Nose: Honeyed grain, dried apricot, toasted oak, vanilla custard, subtle grape must
- Palate: Rich malt sweetness, candied orange peel, dark chocolate, cinnamon spice, port wine complexity
- Finish: Long finish with lingering honey, oak tannins, dried fruit, warming spice
Product Details
| Spirit Type | American Single Malt Whiskey |
|---|---|
| ABV | 59.25% (118.5 Proof) |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Age Statement | NAS (No Age Statement) |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Distillery | Cedar Ridge Distillery |
| Region | Swisher, Iowa |
| Barrel Type | White Port Cask Finish |
| Cask Number | WP-24-04 |
| Master Blender | Murphy Quint |
Perfect For
- Neat Sipping: Best enjoyed at cask strength to appreciate the full port cask influence
- Special Occasions: Limited single cask releases perfect for whiskey collectors and celebrations
- Comparative Tastings: Showcase Iowa's emerging single malt alongside Scottish counterparts
- After-Dinner Digestif: The port cask sweetness makes it ideal for post-meal contemplation
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cedar Ridge Quintessential Single Cask taste like?
This American single malt delivers rich honeyed grain character enhanced by white port cask finishing, creating layers of dried fruit, vanilla custard, and warming spice. The cask-strength bottling at 118.5 proof provides full-bodied intensity with lingering sweetness from the fortified wine barrel influence.
Is this whiskey good for cocktails?
While this single cask whiskey can be used in cocktails, its limited availability and complex port cask finishing make it better suited for neat sipping. The high proof and unique flavor profile are best appreciated undiluted, though a few drops of water can open up additional fruit and spice notes.
How should I drink Cedar Ridge Single Cask whiskey?
Enjoy this whiskey neat in a Glencairn glass to fully appreciate the port cask influence and cask-strength character. Start with small sips to acclimate to the 118.5 proof, and consider adding a few drops of water to release additional honeyed and fruit notes from the white port barrel finishing.
Is this Iowa whiskey worth the price?
This single cask release represents exceptional value for American single malt enthusiasts, offering unique port cask finishing and Master Blender selection at cask strength. The limited nature of single cask bottlings and Iowa's growing reputation for quality whiskey make this a worthy addition to any serious collection.
What is similar to Cedar Ridge Single Cask whiskey?
This whiskey shares characteristics with port-finished Scotch single malts like Balvenie PortWood, but with distinctly American grain character. Fans of Westland American Single Malt or Stranahan's Colorado whiskey will appreciate the innovative finishing techniques and bold proof presentation of this Iowa expression.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.