The Data

Category   Whiskey

Sub-Category   Rye Whiskey

Origin   Iowa

Retail Price   $42

ABV   43%

Score   4 Stars/Exceptional!

In the Glass

Brilliant copper color.

The nose is so alluring and complex offering scents of baked apples, honey, roasted almonds, and caramel with accents of clove, allspice, and nutmeg.

The palate in in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush fruit and caramel core with waves of brown spice, oak, and hints of leather, and black pepper.

Medium to full-bodied with a rich fruit core while being vibrant with a bright dose of acidity providing perfect balance.

Cool Factor

A small-batch malted Rye Whiskey with style and panache is always cool.

Value Grade

At just north of $40 this won't make anyone's bargain list but considering the quality and the small quantities we find it a value.

Analysis

Cedar Ridge is the first licensed distillery in the state of Iowa since Prohibition. Yes, these guys are really making Whiskey in Iowa. (I assume that everyone got that so let's move on.) The Cedar Ridge Malted Rye is made with an undisclosed mashbill that is dominated by malted rye that offers both richness and bold spice notes. Bottling this Malted Rye at 43% is ideal as it gives body and depth to the complex flavors and helps to create a chewy texture.

How to Enjoy

The Cedar Ridge Malted Rye is perfectly pleasant with nothing more than a glass. The distillers recommend their Malted Rye in a Manhattan — we agree.