In a world weary of “craft” this and “small batch” that, Cedar Ridge Distillery is a refreshing change. In 2005, Jeff Quint -- ninth-generation farmer and fermenter -- followed his heart from accountancy back to his distilling roots when he and his wife Laurie opened Cedar Ridge, the first licensed distillery in the state of Iowa since Prohibition. In the ten short years since their first release, Cedar Ridge whiskeys have won national and international acclaim, led by their Iowa corn Bourbon Whiskey, made of corn from their own fields. About Cedar Ridge Distillery
Cedar Ridge Distillery is set amid rolling corn fields in bucolic Swisher, Iowa, which is located about a ten-minute drive from both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. The distillery is a favorite local attraction for tours and tastings, as well as excellent yet casual dining including brick-oven wood-fired pizzas; local vegetables, cheeses and charcuterie; and a popular Sunday Brunch. Live music generally plays on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, and other events include yoga, dinner theatre, and open-air painting, to name a few. The distillery is frequently rented for weddings and corporate events, with options including an event hall, the tasting room, a board room, several patios, and even the lawn. Using Nature As Our Guide
We know that many people think of Iowa as just having corn – we’re perfectly fine with that. That means that we have the benefit of having the best product to make the best bourbon– Iowa Corn. Fine craftsmanship is a true reflection of Iowa’s mentality, where we do the best with what nature gives us, while maintaining minimal waste. The best corn and grains come from the most fertile soil found right here in America’s Grain Belt. Another uniting characteristic is aging in non-temperature controlled barns, called “rick houses”; Iowa’s fluctuating temperatures force the American White Oak barrels to expand and contract, drawing the whiskey into and out of the wood pores, imparting the woods’ rich aromas and flavors more quickly than in other regions; on the downside, Mother Nature then takes an 18% cut, vs. the more traditional 12% “angel’s share” lost in industrial aging facilities. Whiskeys
Cedar Ridge Straight Bourbon Whiskey
For the best in bourbon, go straight to the heart of corn country – crafted of 74% family-farmed corn and distilled to a higher proof, resulting in a cleaner, more approachable sipping whiskey. This is the best of the Midwest in a bottle! The Quintessential, American Single Malt Whiskey
Handcrafted from 100% pure malted barley. Aged in American Oak and uniquely cask finished. Then meticulously married and matured using techniques honed over ten generations. With upfront deep stone fruit balanced by a subtle peat finish, this single malt sets the American Standard with a taste that’s perfectly RICH & COMPLEX. See our entire selection of whiskeys: https://cedarridgedistillery.com/whiskey/
Visiting Cedar Ridge
The tasting room and gift shop are open year-round, as are dining options; Tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and 3 pm - reserve your spot today. There is always something new to see at Cedar Ridge Distillery.
