The QuintEssential of Iowa - Pete & Sherri: 2nd Anniversary is a cask strength American single malt whiskey that showcases Cedar Ridge Distillery's artistry through a complex blend of 6 to 8-year-old single malts, bottled at a robust 58.4% ABV. This third entry in the QuintEssential Special Release series marries 2-row pale malted barley with peated malt, finished in an array of sherry casks for extraordinary depth. From the rolling fields of Swisher, Iowa, Cedar Ridge Distillery has carved its reputation as a pioneer in American single malt production. Master Blender Murphy Quint orchestrates this anniversary release as a testament to the craft distilling renaissance taking root in America's heartland, where prairie winds and patient aging transform grain into liquid poetry.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Pedro Ximénez sweetness, charred oak smoke, honeyed barley, dried figs, subtle peat whispers
• Palate: Rich sherry influence, caramelized brown sugar, toasted almonds, gentle smoke, oloroso complexity, malted grain foundation
• Finish: Long and warming with amontillado spice, lingering peat, dark chocolate, and bourbon barrel vanilla

Product Details

Spirit Type	American Single Malt Whiskey
ABV	58.4% (116.8 Proof)
Volume	750ml
Age Statement	6 to 8 Years
Release Year	2026
Distillery	Cedar Ridge Distillery
Region	Swisher, Iowa, USA
Mash Bill	2-row pale malted barley blended with peated malt
Barrel Type	Ex-Bourbon finished in Pedro Ximénez & Oloroso Sherry Hogsheads, Amontillado Sherry Butts

Perfect For

• Contemplative evening pours: The complexity rewards slow sipping by a crackling fire
• Special celebrations: Anniversary releases deserve milestone moments and meaningful toasts
• Whiskey exploration: Perfect introduction to American single malt's growing sophistication
• Collector's shelf: Limited special release from Iowa's pioneering craft distillery

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The QuintEssential of Iowa taste like?

The QuintEssential delivers a rich tapestry of sherry-influenced sweetness balanced by subtle peat smoke. The Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry cask finishing creates layers of dried fruit, caramel, and nuts, while the peated component adds gentle smokiness without overwhelming the malted barley foundation.

Should I drink this neat or with water?

At cask strength 116.8 proof, this whiskey benefits from careful consideration of your palate preferences. Start neat to experience the full intensity, then add a few drops of water to unlock different flavor layers. The high proof carries the sherry and peat elements beautifully when diluted slightly.

How does this compare to other American single malts?

The QuintEssential stands apart through its dual sherry cask finishing and peated malt component, elements more common in Scotch whisky. Unlike West Coast American single malts that emphasize new oak, this Iowa expression showcases European sherry influence with American grain character.

Is this worth the investment for a special release?

Cedar Ridge's QuintEssential series represents serious craft distilling ambition, with Master Blender Murphy Quint's expertise evident in the complex cask management. The combination of age, cask strength bottling, and innovative finishing makes this a standout value in American single malt collecting.

What makes Cedar Ridge special in American whiskey?

Cedar Ridge pioneered American single malt production in Iowa, bringing Scottish-inspired techniques to Midwestern grain. Their commitment to natural cask strength bottling and innovative sherry cask finishing positions them among America's most thoughtful craft distilleries.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.