The Secret Behind Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Rye: 5 Reasons This Iowa Whiskey Is Dominating 2025
The Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Rye has become the most talked-about American rye whiskey of late 2024 and early 2025, solidifying its status as a premium, limited-edition spirit. On the heels of its highly anticipated annual release—with Batch 2 being the current iteration—this Iowa-made expression is turning heads not just for its unique flavor profile, but for the innovative, grain-to-glass production philosophy of the Cedar Ridge Distillery. This article dives deep into the technical specifications, the family history, and the tasting notes that make this 105-proof rye a must-have bottle for any serious whiskey collector right now, in December 2025.
For those unfamiliar with the Midwest whiskey scene, Cedar Ridge is the cornerstone of the Iowa distilling movement. The Double Barrel Rye represents the pinnacle of their craft, taking their acclaimed Straight Rye Whiskey and subjecting it to an intense, secondary maturation process. The result is a bold, complex, and highly-awarded spirit that showcases the distinct character of high-rye grain grown in the fertile fields of the American heartland.
The Technical Profile and Family Legacy of Cedar Ridge Distillery
The story of the Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Rye is inseparable from the history of the distillery itself and the pioneering family behind it. Founded in 2005 by Jeff Quint, Cedar Ridge was the first licensed distillery in Iowa since Prohibition, setting the stage for the state's craft spirits boom. The operation is truly a family affair, with Jeff’s son, Murphy Quint, stepping into the role of Master Distiller, a position he has held since he was just 16 years old, ensuring the legacy of quality and innovation continues.
- Distillery: Cedar Ridge Distillery (Swisher, Iowa)
- Founders: Jeff Quint and Laurie Quint
- Master Distiller: Murphy Quint
- Founded: 2005
- Product: Double Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey (Limited Annual Release)
- Latest Batch: Batch 2 (Released in late 2025)
- Proof: 105 Proof (52.5% ABV)
- Mashbill: 85% Iowa-Grown Rye, 12% Corn, 3% Malted Barley
- Base Whiskey: Cedar Ridge Straight Rye Whiskey
- Finishing Process: Finished in a second, new American oak barrel with a fresh char.
- Age: Non-Age Statement (NAS), but generally a younger whiskey, allowing the grain and the secondary barrel finish to shine.
- Approximate Price: $59.99 - $79.99 (Varies by retailer and batch)
1. The Game-Changing 85% Rye Mashbill
The foundation of this exceptional whiskey is its aggressive and transparent mashbill. Unlike many rye whiskeys that hover around the 51% legal minimum, the Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Rye uses a whopping 85% rye grain. This is a crucial detail that dictates its powerful flavor profile.
The grain itself is Iowa-grown, providing a distinct sense of provenance and a "grain-driven character" that the distillery is known for. The remaining components—12% corn and 3% malted barley—are there to provide a touch of sweetness and aid in the fermentation process, respectively. This high-rye concentration is what delivers the distinctively rustic, spicy, and full-bodied notes that rye enthusiasts crave. The distillery’s commitment to using locally sourced, high-quality grain is a key differentiator in the crowded American whiskey market.
2. The Double Barrel Advantage: Why the Second Barrel Matters
The "Double Barrel" designation is more than just a marketing term; it is a labor-intensive finishing technique that dramatically alters the whiskey's character. The process begins with the standard Cedar Ridge Straight Rye Whiskey, which has already undergone its primary aging in new, charred American oak barrels.
For the Double Barrel release, Master Distiller Murphy Quint and his team transfer the mature rye into a second new American oak barrel. This second barrel is freshly charred, which means the whiskey is exposed to a completely new layer of caramelized wood sugars and deep oak tannins. This finishing period is relatively short but intense, designed to extract maximum flavor and complexity without over-oaking the spirit.
This technique results in a whiskey that retains the classic rye spice while gaining an enhanced depth of flavor, including notes of dense toasted oak, vanilla, and a richer mouthfeel. It is this innovative double-maturation that transforms a great straight rye into a "Best in Show" spirit.
3. The Explosive and Complex Tasting Notes
The 105-proof bottling strength ensures that the Double Barrel Rye delivers a powerful and memorable tasting experience. Reviewers consistently praise its balance of rustic grain and rich oak influence.
- Nose: The aroma is often described as a "perfect winter warmer." Expect a powerful mix of rye French toast, baking spices, and caramelizing sugars. Enticing notes of fennel seed, spearmint, and cinnamon are prominent, hinting at the high rye content.
- Palate: The arrival is lively and full, with an immediate rush of spice—cinnamon, clove, and cracked black pepper. This is quickly followed by the rich sweetness imparted by the second barrel, including vanilla, toasted oak, and hints of cherry. The texture is full and spicy, making it a robust sipper.
- Finish: The finish is long, warming, and complex. The rustic rye grain note lingers, intertwined with the deep, charred oak influence. It leaves a satisfying, peppery heat that encourages another sip.
4. The Awards and Critical Acclaim That Define the 2025 Release
The Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Rye is not just a fan favorite; it is a critical darling. Its recent accolades underscore its position as one of the best American whiskeys currently available. The distillery’s ability to consistently produce award-winning spirits, including their Double Barrel Bourbon, is a testament to Murphy Quint’s skill as a Master Distiller.
Notable recent awards include:
- 2024 TAG Awards: BEST IN SHOW (A highly coveted top prize)
- 2023 Barleycorn Awards: DOUBLE GOLD
- 2023 ASCOT Awards: Recognition for its exceptional quality
These awards, particularly the 2024 "Best in Show," have driven a surge in interest and demand for the limited-edition 2025 batch, making it a challenging bottle to find outside of the Midwest.
5. An Innovative Spirit Leading the Iowa Whiskey Movement
Cedar Ridge Distillery is not just making whiskey; it is defining the category of "Iowa Whiskey." By using 100% locally sourced grain—much of it grown on their own family farm—they have created a distinct sense of place in every bottle. The Double Barrel Rye is a perfect example of this "Authentic By Nature" philosophy.
The annual release of the Double Barrel expressions, including both the Rye and the Bourbon, has become a major event for whiskey fans, showcasing the distillery’s innovative spirit. Master Distiller Murphy Quint's willingness to experiment with secondary maturation in a second new American oak barrel pushes the boundaries of traditional rye production. For those who appreciate transparency, grain-driven character, and a whiskey that truly punches above its age, the Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is a fascinating and rewarding bottle to explore.
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