FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2020
Cedar Ridge Introduces The QuintEssential™ Signature Blend American Single Malt Whiskey
SWISHER, IOWA – Cedar Ridge Distillery is proud to announce the introduction of The QuintEssential™ American Single Malt Whiskey.
This signature blend is the culmination of a lifetime of work for Cedar Ridge Founder and Master Distiller Jeff Quint, and his son, Head Distiller Murphy Quint.
“While Bourbon is a natural product for us here in Iowa, both Murphy and I have shared a lifelong interest in good Scotch,” said Jeff. “For nearly 15 years now, we’ve been perfecting our own American version single malt. One thing we figured out early on is you can’t rush it.”
The Quint family can trace its winemaking roots back to the late 1600s in the Mosel Region of Germany. Knowledge of blending and aging has been passed down through the generations but it’s the way Jeff and Murphy are applying these proven, award-winning techniques to whiskey that is making their American single malt truly unique.
First, the Quints use only a single strain of two-row malted barley prepared exclusively for Cedar Ridge at the Prairie Malt plant in Biggar, Saskatchewan. Once the grain arrives on site, Jeff and Murphy painstakingly control every step of the process – from milling, mashing, fermenting and double-distilling, to the unique barrel aging process, right through the final bottling.
A quick look at the aging process shows what’s possible. Most of the barrels are Cedar Ridge’s own. Some are hand-picked and imported from sources abroad. For its first cask treatment, the bulk of the whiskey is aged using ex-bourbon barrels. The whiskey then gets a second treatment in barrels that once held brandy, rum, wine, port or sherry. Last up – it’s married into the distillery’s oak solera vat for a final rest.
“It’s during these two cask treatment phases that the whiskey develops its complexity and richness,” said Jeff. “And by never emptying the solera beyond the halfway mark, we gain a consistent complexity you can’t get from single barrels.”
“Our system is the best of both worlds,” added Murphy. “We’re taking many single barrels of single malt and utilizing them to influence our solera vat over time. In a sense, each can be looked at as an individual ingredient for our solera, and we’re cooking-to-taste.”
As the Quints prepare the first bottling of their signature blend, they sense their timing couldn’t be better.
“American single malt whiskey appears to be on the verge of booming in the United States,”
said Murphy. “With thousands of craft/micro distilleries opening up over the last 10 years –
many of which are producing at least one single malt – consumers are about to see a wide
array of options. Much like the craft beer category, there’s a lot to explore.”
While the work requires meticulous attention to detail, the Quint’s have found the process of
making single malt to be liberating.
“Whereas bourbon has very tight rules and regulations when it comes to the production
processes,” said Murphy, “single malt regulations are a little less strict, which leaves the door
open for more artistic input into the whiskey.”
And with a flavor that’s perfectly rich and complex, this artistry is evident in every sip of The
QuintEssential™ American Single Malt Whiskey from Cedar Ridge.
Ordering Information
Cedar Ridge’s The QuintEssential™ American Single Malt Whiskey, 46% ABV is available
in Iowa for $59.99. Retailers can order the new QuintEssential™ through the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division (ABD) using the product code [26474]. Select markets throughout the United States can also expect to see availability in the coming weeks. Orders can be placed online through Roselle Park Wines & Spirits.
About Cedar Ridge
In 2005, Cedar Ridge became the first licensed distillery in the state of Iowa since Prohibition,
when owners Jeff and Laurie Quint aimed to follow a long family tradition of Iowa farmers and
distillers, including Jeff’s father and grandfather, who produced locally made brandies. Cedar
Ridge produces wines from its own estate-grown grapes and crafts its award-winning spirits in
its four custom engineered German pot stills. The lush 5,000 vines and 15,000 square foot
winery, distillery, tasting room and event center provide quality wines, spirits and an exciting
entertainment experience for Eastern Iowa.
For media requests contact Cedar Ridge’s Marketing Manager, Anna Bilyeu at (319) 857-4300
or by email at anna@cedarridgewhiskey.com.
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