Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon is an interesting release from the heart of corn country. Their bourbon is “crafted of nearly 75% corn and distilled to a higher proof, resulting in a more clean, approachable sipping whiskey”. The 75% corn is fairly common and some folks, like George Dickel, even go into the 80s with their corn percentage. The higher proof distillation though is a bit different.
Most, if not all, of the big Kentucky distillers distill their product to be in that 125 – 135ish range before going into the barrel (160 is the legal max). This leaves a lot of oils, esters, congeners and so on in the whiskey which create reactions in the barrels which create the end product. Stripping more of those out definitely would lighten the whiskey like they say, which is an interesting tactic to take in a market with a thirst for big bold bourbon.
Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon Info
Region: Iowa, USA
Distiller: Cedar Ridge Vineyards
Mashbill: ~75% Corn, ~25% Rye & Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Price: $40*
Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon Review
EYE
Light butterscotch
NOSE
Soft and sweet. It’s not complex, but it’s nice with warm notes of caramel, grain, vanilla and a touch of wood and bananas.
PALATE
Caramel, spice, fruit, wood and a light touch of vanilla, nuts and honey. It’s weirdly interesting.
FINISH
Medium fade of caramel, fruit, vanilla and wood.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, medium body and a soft flaxen feel.
OVERALL
The standard Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon isn’t terrible, but it isn’t amazing either and overall I like their 4+ year old cask strength single cask bourbon better. That stuff was rich and heavy; this cut release is much less so and it comes across as younger, fruitier and noticeably watered down. They said they were going for a lighter bourbon and they definitely achieved that.
Still,Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon isn’t a terrible whiskey and I love that the Cedar Ridge folks are doing it all themselves. It’s awesome to see true craft distillers working to put out an honest product. I just wish they wouldn’t water that product down as much. Even 46% would help give this, and their other stuff, a bit more life. Customers can always put more water in, but we can’t take it out.
SCORE: 82/100 (B-)
*Disclosure: This sample of Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
