Nestled in the heart of Iowa’s corn belt, Cedar Ridge Distillery has transformed from a family-rooted winery into one of America’s most influential whiskey producers. Founded in 2005 by Jeff and Laurie Quint, it became Iowa’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition, blending agricultural heritage with bold innovation. At the helm of its whiskey renaissance stands Murphy Quint, Master Distiller and visionary behind The QuintEssential. It’s an American Single Malt that not only honors the Quint lineage but also helped shape the newly recognized category itself. On top of that, it’s a cornerstone of the American Single Malt (ASM) category.
As competition in the category has ramped up, Cedar Ridge’s The QuintEssential stands out, not just as a strong contender, but as a confident statement. Crafted from 100% two-row pale malted barley, this whiskey embraces both tradition and innovation, offering a uniquely American take on a classic style.
A Story in Layers
What makes this whiskey truly “quintessential” is its solera-style aging, a method that layers complexity over time. The base whiskey is first matured in ex-bourbon barrels from Cedar Ridge’s own production, then finished in a broad variety of casks including rum, brandy, sherry, port, wine, and even rye. Over 20 finishing types are used before the batches are married in a solera vat under the guidance of Master Blender Murphy Quint. Get it, QuintEssential? Nice play on the family name.
The result? A bottle that delivers depth, character, and consistent quality with each release.
The QuintEssential American Single Malt
Cedar Ridge Distillery | Iowa, USA
92 Proof / 46% ABV
Mashbill: 100% 2-Row Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Bright stone fruits leap from the glass, peaches, apricots, and nectarines, alongside ripe red apples and a whisper of red berries. There’s cinnamon, pepper, herbaceous layers, and a soft undercurrent of toasted malt and distant campfire smoke. This nose invites you in and won’t let go.
Score: 90/100
Palate:
Luxuriously mouth-coating. It opens with a basket of orchard fruits, juicy apple, pear and stone fruits that develop into a mid-palate swirl of vanilla, lemon peel, and soft baking spices. A touch of butterscotch adds richness.
Score: 88/100
Finish:
Medium in length but memorable. Fruit-forward again with apple and peach juices, vanilla, and a touch of smoke. Cinnamon lingers. Subtle complexity keeps you coming back.
Score: 86/100
Final Thoughts
This is a whiskey that confidently bridges heritage and innovation. It’s no mere experiment, The QuintEssential is a serious ASM that holds its own next to Speyside standards while asserting a style all its own.
Total Score: 88/100
Verdict: American Single Malt continues to evolve and Cedar Ridge is leading the charge.
