I’ve got a crush on Cedar Ridge. Look, this isn’t some sort of mild infatuation… I’m in deep on this one. Back in August of 2025, Whiskey Network dedicated a full month to celebrating their 20-year anniversary. It was satisfying to honor the craft and character of this amazing distillery. The vision and work ethic of Murphy Quint shines through in every drop of whiskey that comes from the halcyon corn fields of Iowa.
Imagine how elated I was to get a message asking if I’d like a sample of the new Cedar Ridge 9 ¾ Rye. I’m quite picky when it comes to any rye in my glass, and I was curious to find out what this one was going to be like.
To date, this whiskey has the highest age statement ever come from the distillery. This batch is a mix of barrels that were 9 years and 9 months old, with the youngest being 9 years. The mashbill is heavy on rye but has just a kiss of corn and a dash of malted barley. I don’t know about you, but I’ve already got visions of glencairns dancing in my head.
Just a note, I was provided a sample of this whiskey for my impartial comments. In spite of my crush, I can keep it on the straight and narrow. Maybe.
Cedar Ridge Nine and Three Quarters Rye
Straight Rye Whiskey
ABV: 57.5%/115 proof
SRP: $59.99
Mashbill: 85% rye, 12% corn, 3% malted barley
Barrel: New American oak (level 3 char)
Color: Deep, rich copper with orange hues and glittering beams of rust in the light
Nose: 93/100
Direct but not overpowering rye spice, ripe dates, a hint of clove, and a distinct halo of cola. In the best way possible, there is a distinct funk that lingers like a low-lying fog. This is a GREAT thing. It’s exotic, inviting, and shifts every time you bring the glass up.
Palate: 95/100
This is a deep whirlpool of oily textures and leaves heavy legs in the glencairn. On the palate is an beautiful oak flavor that mellows quickly and gives way to earthy spices, prunes, and leather. The funkadelic rye explosion is both amazing and leaves me craving more. There is a lingering hint of spices and cloves that is both pleasant and warming.
Finish: 95/100
Like the mist of a cool morning in Iowa, the finish just hangs out for a good long time. I’m not complaining. Oak and leather are the foundation, and the morning mists also brings in ripe dates, crushed black pepper, and just a pinch of baking spices. The binding agent is the glorious rye funk that emerges like the legendary sea monster in those blurry photographs. Is there a corn field monster? Who knows… but I digress.
Overall: 94/100
Murphy Quint has outdone himself here. The span of time this whiskey spent in barrels is a magic mirror back to a completely different time for the distillery. Some of the hands that were involved in making this whiskey may have moved on. Their spirits linger in the finished product. The beauty of whiskey is that you just never know what will happen when you leave liquid in a barrel for 9 plus years.
Perhaps there is a nod to magic in the process… real or otherwise. You draw your own conclusions on which platform you should stand on.
For me, this whiskey is a unique journey in the heart of Cedar Ridge distillery. It’s a very limited edition and you’re likely never going to find something like this again for a good long while.
My sincere recommendation is that you buy a bottle of this to enjoy. Kudos to Murphy Quint and team for creating something so unique and interesting… with an incredible price!
