Cedar Ridge Distillery, under the direction of Master Blender Murphy Quint, has unveiled the fourth installment in its series of limited-edition American Single Malts: The QuintEssential Wine Club, First Meeting.
The release pays homage to the distillery’s winemaking roots, coinciding with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s announcement that American Single Malt whiskey is now considered an official spirit category in the U.S.
“Rooted in our winery heritage, this release is a tribute to that legacy,” Mr. Quint stated in a release. “While past expressions have included a foundation of either New American Oak or French Oak, this release exclusively features wine-finishing casks: Amontillado Sherry, Tokaji, Moscatel, and Pinot Noir. Each cask is complex in its own right, and I enjoyed the challenge of blending those complex flavors.
“Every QuintEssential Special Release is a labor of love and patience,” he continued. “Blending finishing casks to achieve the desired result is as much an art as a science, and like any creation, it often takes time to develop the full picture. This release truly tested my patience, but the extra time and care were well worth it. I’m thrilled with the final result and can’t wait to share this expression.”
The latest release follows a line of critically acclaimed predecessors, including The Untitled Cigar Malt Project, The QuintEssential Pete & Sherri, and The QuintEssential Portside, the latter of which earned an impressive 97 points from The Wine Enthusiast. The series has also been recognized with medals at prestigious competitions such as the World Whiskies Awards, The Ascot Awards, and The Barleycorn Awards.
The QuintEssential Wine Club, First Meeting is available for purchase at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Iowa and through online pre-sale, with expanded distribution planned. Bottled at 118.1% ABV, the limited-edition whiskey has a suggested retail price of $99.99.
