The Data

Category   Whiskey

Sub-Category   Bourbon Whiskey

Origin   Iowa

Retail Price   $39

ABV   40%

Score   3.5 Stars/Brilliant! +

In the Glass

Brilliant copper color.

The nose is complex and subtle for a Bourbon with scents of grain, brown baking spices, and oak, with accents of dried herbs, fresh mint, and hints of toffee.

The palate echoes the nose delivering a a dry and slightly astringent fruit and caramel core with flanking notes of baking spices, pepper, and toasted grain.

Medium-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity and dry spices.

Cool Factor

I'm a big fan of grain to bottle distillers. The Cedar Ridge Bourbon is short on intensity but long on complexity.

Value Grade

At nearly $40 a bottle the Cedar Ridge Bourbon has some stiff competition.

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 Bourbon is crafted with a mashbill of 74% corn, 14% toasted rye, and 12% malted barley. The wood impact on this Bourbon is more dry, earthy notes than sweet vanilla accents found in the majority of Bourbons. It's a unique style and we look forward to watching the growth of Cedar Ridge.

How to Enjoy

The Cedar Ridge Bourbon is perfectly pleasant with nothing more than a glass. The distillers recommend their Iowa Bourbon in an Old Fashioned.