Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon 750ML

Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon 750ML 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 Proof)  |  Origin: Swisher, Iowa, USA  |  Straight Bourbon Whiskey  |  Distillery: Cedar Ridge Distillery

Production & Heritage

Cedar 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon

Neat 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 Old Fashioned, where the bourbon's natural sweetness reduces the need for excess sugar; a Whiskey Sour, where its creamy body balances citrus acidity beautifully; and a Brown Sugar Maple Manhattan, where the corn-driven sweetness pairs naturally with sweet vermouth and a dash of maple bitters.

Best For

• Exploring craft distilling beyond Kentucky and Tennessee
• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values unique production methods
• Building an Old Fashioned with a naturally sweet, grain-forward bourbon
• Starting a tasting flight of Cedar Ridge's bourbon range (standard, Bottled-in-Bond, Barrel Proof)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon taste like? 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.

How does Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon compare to Cleveland Whiskey? 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.

Is Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon made? 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.

What foods pair well with Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon? 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.

What sizes does Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon come in? The standard expression is widely available in the 750ml bottle size.

Is Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon worth the price? 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.

Why Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon?

The 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.