The Cedar Ridge Distillery near Swisher has received recognition from two major industry organizations for two of its distilled spirits.
First, Cedar Ridge’s QuintEssential Portside American Single Malt Whiskey scored a 97 rating from The Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This limited edition whiskey is reviewed in the magazine’s May/June issue and online at wineenthusiast.com/
Second, Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Bourbon, an annual release, was recognized with a Double Gold Medal and Best of Show honor from the TAG Global Spirit Awards. That review is available at tagspiritsawards.com/.
In 2005, Jeff Quint founded Cedar Ridge because he believed it was time for Iowa – the top corn-producing state in the U.S. – to share its homegrown Bourbon Whiskey with the world. Cedar Ridge was the first licensed distillery in Iowa since Prohibition.
After releasing its first batch of whiskey in 2010, Cedar Ridge Distillery quickly became a nationally recognized leader in craft spirits, winning multiple awards such as American Distilling Institute’s “2017 Distiller of the Year” and “Best American Craft Whiskey” at the 2016 New York World Spirits Competition.
Over the past several years, Cedar Ridge Bourbon has become the best-selling bourbon in Iowa. The sales team has expanded the bourbon’s retail footprint, and Cedar Ridge Bourbon is now available on and off premise in 32 states through a strategic partnership with Chopin Imports Limited.
Murphy Quint now serves as Cedar Ridge’s Master Distiller and director of operations, succeeding his father in that role in January 2024.
