Just to get this out of the way…US Federal law states that Bourbon can be made anywhere within the United States, so the argument that Bourbon “only comes from Kentucky” is false. In the past decade or so we’ve seen Bourbon made in quite a few other states, but I don’t believe I had seen Iowa featured as on of them until recently.
It makes sense…when you think of Iowa, you think of corn (Nebraska, too…so I guess Nebraska Bourbon is only a matter of time). Cedar Ridge is based in Swisher, Iowa, roughly halfway between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. They’ve been around a while, but apparently there products aren’t that widely distributed here in East Tennessee, so I lucked onto this bottle just last week.
Their Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made from a mash bill of 74% corn, 14% malted rye, and 12% 2-row malted barley, then bottled at a 116 proof, or 58% ABV. My bottle is from Batch No. 0005, which according to the bottle is non-chill filtered and the barrels used a Number 3 Char. They aged their barrels in “non-climate-controlled rickhouses, where our Midwest weather exposes them to temperature swings of over 100 degrees each year—resulting in a unique flavor profile that can’t be achieved in other climates.”
Putting my nose into it too far caused some searing from the alcohol vapors, but when I held it slightly away, I was able to pick up rich vanilla and caramel notes. Taking a sip, I was able to get notes of apricot and black cherries up front, with molasses, vanilla, and oak underneath. The high proof definitely contributed to a lasting burn on the palate. If that’s not your thing, a couple ice cubes or a little water will bring down the ABV a bit and probably allow more of the flavor to flow through.
I found myself really enjoying Cedar Ridge’s bourbon…this Barrel Proof expression was excellent for the mid-$40 range and made me want to look for more of their products when I get a chance.
