{"title":"Cedar Ridge","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"cedar-ridge-iowa-bourbon-750ml","title":"Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV) and produced entirely at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, Iowa. The distillery earned the American Distilling Institute's 2017 Distillery of the Year award, and this core expression showcases a rare off-grain distillation technique that distinguishes it from most American bourbons on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 43% (86 Proof)  |  Origin: Swisher, Iowa, USA  |  Straight Bourbon Whiskey  |  Distillery: Cedar Ridge Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCedar Ridge Distillery was Iowa's first licensed distillery since Prohibition and operates out of Swisher, a small town just outside Cedar Rapids. The bourbon is built on a mashbill of 74% corn, 14% malted rye, and 12% two-row malted barley — all Iowa-sourced grain. What sets Cedar Ridge apart is its off-grain fermentation process: the grain is lautered off as soon as starch-to-sugar conversion is complete, and the resulting wort is instantly cooled to room temperature before fermentation begins. The spirit is distilled to approximately 148 proof, notably higher than the 134–136 proof typical of larger bourbon producers, then aged in new charred oak barrels housed in non-climate-controlled rickhouses. Iowa's dramatic seasonal swings — temperature variations of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit each year — drive aggressive barrel interaction that accelerates maturation and deepens flavor development.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with fresh-milled corn and roasted grain, followed by waves of vanilla, brown sugar, and marzipan. Toasted oak and a thread of winter baking spice round out the aroma, with a notably corn-forward character that becomes more pronounced as the glass opens up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is round and surprisingly soft given the spice-forward nose. A thick, creamy mouthfeel carries flavors of vanilla custard, caramelized brown sugar, and toasted oak across the mid-palate. Malted rye adds a gentle peppery warmth that builds gradually without overwhelming the sweeter grain notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish lands on the medium-short side, with lingering toasted corn and fading oak tannins. It tapers cleanly, leaving behind a whisper of vanilla and dry cereal grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat or with a few drops of water is the best way to appreciate the creamy texture and corn-forward profile. The 86-proof bottling strength makes it approachable without dilution, though a single ice cube opens up additional sweetness. For cocktails, the brown sugar and vanilla backbone works in several classic formats: an \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the bourbon's natural sweetness reduces the need for excess sugar; a \u003cstrong\u003eWhiskey Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its creamy body balances citrus acidity beautifully; and a \u003cstrong\u003eBrown Sugar Maple Manhattan\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the corn-driven sweetness pairs naturally with sweet vermouth and a dash of maple bitters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring craft distilling beyond Kentucky and Tennessee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a bourbon enthusiast who values unique production methods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding an Old Fashioned with a naturally sweet, grain-forward bourbon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStarting a tasting flight of Cedar Ridge's bourbon range (standard, Bottled-in-Bond, Barrel Proof)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon delivers a creamy, corn-forward palate of vanilla, brown sugar, and toasted oak, with mild rye spice building through the mid-palate. The finish is clean and medium-short with lingering cereal grain and vanilla.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon compare to Cleveland Whiskey?\u003c\/strong\u003e Breaking Bourbon has noted Cedar Ridge as superior to products from other young craft distilleries such as Cleveland Whiskey. Cedar Ridge's off-grain distillation and natural Iowa climate aging give it a more developed, traditional bourbon character than accelerated-aging methods used by some competitors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the 86-proof bottling strength and thick, creamy mouthfeel make it an easy sipper that doesn't require dilution. It also performs well in classic bourbon cocktails for those who prefer a mixed drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon is distilled and aged at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, Iowa, located just outside Cedar Rapids. It was Iowa's first licensed distillery since Prohibition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked pork ribs complement the bourbon's brown sugar sweetness; sharp aged cheddar contrasts its creamy texture; pecan pie echoes its vanilla and toasted oak notes; cornbread with honey butter mirrors its corn-forward grain character; and dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the subtle rye spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard expression is widely available in the 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon positions as a mid-range craft bourbon, and its unique off-grain distillation and climate-driven aging deliver genuine character that justifies its place above commodity bourbons. It represents strong value for drinkers interested in regional American whiskey with a distinct production story.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe off-grain distillation method used at Cedar Ridge remains a rarity in bourbon production, stripping away the spent grain before fermentation to create a cleaner, more refined spirit. Combine that with Iowa's punishing temperature extremes — which push whiskey in and out of the barrel char more aggressively than many Kentucky warehouses — and you get a bourbon with surprising depth for a craft operation. The distillery's 2017 ADI Distillery of the Year recognition confirmed what regional drinkers already knew: Cedar Ridge is among the most serious craft bourbon producers in the country. This core 86-proof expression serves as the gateway to that story, delivering approachable proof and genuine flavor complexity rooted in Iowa grain and unconventional technique.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cedar Ridge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836567154857,"sku":"22361","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/cedar-ridge-750__98028.jpg?v=1730461507"},{"product_id":"cedar-ridge-barrel-proof-bourbon-750ml","title":"Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCedar Ridge Barrel Proof Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a non-chill filtered, 116-proof (58% ABV) bourbon from Iowa's Cedar Ridge Distillery in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Platinum medal at the 2023 ASCOT Awards and a 9.1 Taster Score from American Whiskey Magazine, establishing it as one of the Midwest's most recognized craft bourbons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 58% (116 Proof)  |  Origin: Swisher, Iowa, USA  |  Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered  |  Distillery: Cedar Ridge Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCedar Ridge Distillery, founded in 2005 in Swisher, Iowa, holds the distinction of being Iowa's first legal distillery since Prohibition. The Barrel Proof expression uses a mashbill of 74% corn, 14% malted rye, and 12% malted barley, aged in char #3 American oak barrels inside non-climate-controlled rickhouses. Iowa's extreme seasonal temperature swings — spanning roughly 100 degrees annually — force the whiskey in and out of the wood aggressively, creating intensified barrel interaction that would be difficult to replicate in more temperate climates. The bourbon is bottled at full barrel strength without chill filtration, preserving the texture and flavor compounds exactly as they come from the cask.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cherry and vanilla arrive first, followed by layers of brown sugar, nutmeg, and dried grain. A subtle caramel-oak backbone develops beneath the sweeter notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is rich with spiced brown sugar and snickerdoodle cookie, transitioning at mid-palate into maple syrup and dark cherry. The peak delivers oak char, warm rye spice, and baking cinnamon — dense and layered at barrel proof but never harsh. White pepper accents weave through the darker burnt maple sugar notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and warming, with charred wood and caramel lingering well after each sip. Oak tannins and a persistent spice echo carry through to the very end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 116 proof, this bourbon rewards patience — start neat in a Glencairn to appreciate the full aromatic complexity, then add a few drops of water to open up the sweeter brown sugar and cherry layers. On the rocks, the dilution gradually shifts the profile from bold spice toward creamy vanilla and maple. For cocktails: an \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits enormously from the barrel proof intensity, as the bourbon's snickerdoodle and cinnamon notes hold up against bitters and sugar; a \u003cstrong\u003eBoulevardier\u003c\/strong\u003e gains dimension from the charred oak and rye spice cutting through Campari's bitterness; and a \u003cstrong\u003eWhiskey Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e lets the cherry and maple sweetness shine through fresh citrus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBourbon enthusiasts exploring high-quality craft distilleries outside Kentucky\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarrel proof collectors seeking non-chill filtered, full-strength expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who appreciates award-winning small-batch American whiskey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding Old Fashioneds and stirred cocktails that demand a bold bourbon backbone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof leads with spiced brown sugar and snickerdoodle cookie flavors, moving into maple syrup, dark cherry, and oak char. The finish is long and warming with lingering caramel, charred wood, and rye spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof compare to Maker's Mark Cask Strength?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are barrel proof bourbons with corn-forward mashbills, but Cedar Ridge uses 14% malted rye as its flavoring grain while Maker's Mark relies on red winter wheat, making Cedar Ridge noticeably spicier with more rye-driven baking spice. Cedar Ridge also benefits from Iowa's extreme temperature swings during aging, while Maker's matures in Kentucky's comparatively milder climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — despite its 116-proof strength, the non-chill filtered bottling delivers a rich, oily texture that carries complex flavors without excessive burn. A few drops of water help unlock additional sweetness for those sensitive to high proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof is distilled and aged at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, Iowa, a small town just north of Iowa City. Founded in 2005, Cedar Ridge was Iowa's first legal distillery since Prohibition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the charred oak and brown sugar notes; dark chocolate truffles highlight the cherry and caramel; pecan pie mirrors the bourbon's nutmeg and maple sweetness; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the spice with savory richness; and apple crisp echoes the baking cinnamon and vanilla on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof positions as a premium craft bourbon, and its Platinum medal at the 2023 ASCOT Awards along with a 9.1 score from American Whiskey Magazine suggest strong value relative to barrel proof expressions from larger producers at comparable price tiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this bourbon from the crowded barrel proof field is geography as much as technique. Iowa's punishing temperature extremes — from sub-zero winters to sweltering summers — drive whiskey deep into char #3 American oak and pull it back out with a ferocity that Kentucky's gentler seasons simply cannot match. The result, verified by a Platinum medal at the 2023 ASCOT Awards and a 9.1 from American Whiskey Magazine, is a dense, flavor-forward bourbon with genuine complexity at cask strength. For drinkers looking beyond the traditional bourbon belt for serious barrel proof whiskey, Cedar Ridge has made one of the most compelling arguments in American craft distilling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cedar Ridge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46409370566825,"sku":"41402","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/CedarRidgeBarrelProofBourbon750ML.webp?v=1758932792"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/cedar-ridge.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}