Cedar Ridge Distillery
History of Cedar Ridge Distillery
Cedar Ridge Distillery, founded by Jeff Quint in 2005, is a renowned establishment situated in Iowa, the leading corn-producing state in the U.S.
The Quint family, with a rich history in farming and distilling spirits across generations, established the distillery to share Iowa’s homegrown Bourbon Whiskey with the world, marking it as the first licensed distillery in Iowa since Prohibition.
The distillery released its first batch of whiskey in 2010 and has since gained national recognition as a leader in craft spirits, winning numerous awards including the “2017 Distiller of the Year” by the American Distilling Institute and “Best American Craft Whiskey” at the 2016 New York World Spirits Competition.
Cedar Ridge offers a variety of whiskey, including American Single Malt and the multi-award-winning Iowa Bourbon, each embodying the essence of authentic Iowa craftsmanship.
The distillery takes pride in its local access to high-quality corn, attributing it to the state’s fertile soil and its reputation as a prominent farming state. This access plays a crucial role in crafting what they believe to be the finest bourbon available.
Production Process at Cedar Ridge Distillery
The distillery is unique in managing every step of the production process, from grain to glass, ensuring the authenticity of its whiskey. The process is influenced by their specific location and even the weather, resulting in a taste that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
The corn and grain used are stored and milled on-site, sourced from their family farm in Winthrop, Iowa.
The production process includes lautering, fermenting, and distilling the mash, with the spent grain being repurposed as animal feed for local farmers.
The whiskey is distilled twice to a higher proof, removing impurities and resulting in a cleaner, more approachable sipping whiskey.
The ageing process is guided by nature, with the whiskey being stored in non-temperature controlled rick houses, allowing the Iowa weather to aid in the whiskey’s maturation.
However, this also results in a higher rate of evaporation, with 18% of the product lost compared to the industry standard of 12%.
The Team at Cedar Ridge Distillery
The Cedar Ridge team is led by Jeff and Laurie Quint, with key members including Murphy Quint as the Head Distiller and Director of Operations, and a dedicated team ensuring the smooth running of the distillery and its production of authentic, high-quality whiskey.
Awards Won by Cedar Ridge Distillery
Cedar Ridge Distillery has achieved recognition in the spirits industry through several awards over the years. Here are some of the accolades they have received:
In 2022, a selection of whiskies from Cedar Ridge Distillery received top honors at the Ascot Awards, an international spirits competition judged by Fred Minnick, where entries were evaluated based on appearance, aroma, taste, and finish.
Cedar Ridge Distillery was awarded the “2017 Distiller of the Year” by the American Distilling Institute and also won the title of “Best American Craft Whiskey” at the 2016 New York World Spirits Competition.
Additionally, they have received a “Best of Category” award for Clearheart Vodka, a “Gold Medal” for their Dark Rum from the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition, and a 92-point “Exceptional” rating for their bourbon from the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago.
Cedar Ridge Distillery Tour Information and Experience
Cedar Ridge Distillery offers a unique tour experience for visitors interested in learning about the distillation process from grain to glass. Located in Swisher, Iowa, Cedar Ridge is proud to be Iowa’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition, and it also operates as a winery.
Tour Details:
- Schedule: Tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 PM and 3 PM.
- Cost: The tour costs $5 per person.
- Inclusions: Participants will receive two complimentary samples, a branded tasting glass, and a $5 discount on any item in the gift shop (valid on the day of the tour only).
During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to delve into the history of Cedar Ridge Distillery, witness the entire production process, and see how the distillery has evolved over time.
The distillery prides itself on its connection to nature, and this is a central theme throughout the tour experience.
For those interested in visiting, the tasting room at Cedar Ridge Distillery is open Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from 9 AM to 5 PM. Please note that the kitchen closes at 4 PM on weekends.
To get more information or to book a tour, you can contact Cedar Ridge Distillery directly at 319-857-4300. The distillery is located at 1441 Marak Rd, Swisher, Iowa.
Cedar Ridge Distillery is a place where the authenticity of the heartland shines through, offering visitors a chance to experience the art of winemaking and distillation, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and the fruits of their labor.
Flask & Barrel Review of Cedar Ridge Distillery
First off, the setting is just picturesque. You can really feel the heartland vibes, and it sets the perfect tone for a whiskey adventure. The distillery itself is Iowa’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition, and they’ve got the winery to boot. It’s like getting the best of both worlds in one stop.
The tour was scheduled at convenient times, and at $5 per person, it felt like a steal. I was particularly impressed with the transparency of the whole process.
They walked us through the journey from grain to glass, and it was evident that they take pride in their craft. The history of the place was rich and intriguing, and it was cool to see how much they’ve grown over the years.
Now, let’s talk perks. The two complimentary samples were a nice touch, and the branded tasting glass was a sweet souvenir to take home.
Plus, the $5 off any item in the gift shop was a nice incentive, though I would have splurged on their products anyway – they were that good.
The tasting room hours are pretty accommodating, and I appreciated that they gave a heads up about the kitchen closing at 4 PM on weekends. It shows they’re thoughtful about their visitors’ experience.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say I wished the tour was a tad longer. I was enjoying myself so much that time just flew by. But all in all, Cedar Ridge Distillery is a must-visit for whiskey enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
They’ve managed to create an authentic, enjoyable experience that stands out in my book. Solid 4.7 out of 5, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Cedar Ridge Distillery?
Black Squirrel Tap: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +13198574447. Their address is 72 2nd St SE, Swisher, IA 52338, United States.
Kava House & Cafe: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +13198575000. Their address is 122 2nd St SW, Swisher, IA 52338, United States.
Tin Roost: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +13196262331. Their address is 840 W Penn St, North Liberty, IA 52317, United States.
What hotels are near Cedar Ridge Distillery?
avid hotel Cedar Rapids South – Arpt Area, an IHG Hotel: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +13198263283. Their address is 645 America Dr SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States.
Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids South: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +13196322000. Their address is 710 America Dr SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States.
AmericInn by Wyndham Cedar Rapids Airport: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +13198923807. Their address is 8910 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States.