Cedar Ridge Distillery

Business Details

21 Years

experience

Award-Winning Iowa Whiskey & Spirits Distillery

Cedar Ridge Distillery was founded in 2005 by Jeff Quint, a fourth-generation Iowa farmer, with a vision to bring Iowa's agricultural heritage to the forefront of American craft spirits. As the first licensed distillery in Iowa since Prohibition, we have pioneered the revival of bourbon production in the state, leveraging our deep-rooted farming expertise and access to the world's most fertile soil. Our commitment to quality is evident in every step of our process, from sourcing 100% Iowa-grown corn to aging our whiskeys in non-temperature-controlled rick houses that harness Iowa's unique climate.

Over the years, we have earned national recognition, including Distillery of the Year and Best American Craft Whiskey awards, while maintaining our dedication to sustainability through practices like repurposing spent grain as animal feed. Our team combines generational knowledge with innovative techniques to craft spirits that reflect the authenticity and resilience of Midwest craftsmanship. We believe in transparency, community engagement, and preserving the traditions that make Iowa's terroir exceptional, ensuring every bottle of Cedar Ridge whiskey embodies the spirit of America's heartland.

Services

Distillery Tours Private Barrel Program Whiskey Tastings Wine Tastings Cocktail Experiences Event Hosting Merchandise Sales

Details

Year established: 2005

Highlights and features

We use 100% Iowa-grown corn from the world's most fertile soil.
Our whiskeys have won multiple national awards since 2010.
We control production from grain to glass for consistent quality.
Our family-owned business combines generational farming expertise with modern distilling.
We repurpose spent grain as animal feed to minimize waste.

Website

Update Listing

Services

Distillery Tours

Explore our Iowa facility where we transform locally grown corn into award-winning whiskey. Learn about our unique aging process influenced by Iowa's climate and discover how we maintain quality from grain to glass. Tours include access to our rick houses and tasting sessions.

Private Barrel Program

Select your own barrel of bourbon, rye, or American single malt through our limited program. Available to retailers and whiskey clubs, this service offers exclusive access to our aged spirits with personalized labeling options for special occasions or business branding.

Whiskey Tastings

Experience our full range of award-winning whiskeys through guided tastings. Available daily in our tasting room, this service includes expert commentary on flavor profiles and production techniques that distinguish our Iowa-crafted spirits from national competitors.

Wine Production

Crafting wines from Iowa-grown grapes and Midwest corn, we offer three distinct lines: House Wines for casual enjoyment, Estate Wines showcasing local terroir, and Premiere Series wines aged using specialized techniques. Our winemaking combines traditional methods with Midwestern innovation.

Event Hosting

Host private events in our historic distillery space featuring rustic industrial decor and panoramic views of our production facilities. Available for weddings, corporate functions, and special celebrations, this service includes customizable food and beverage packages featuring our signature spirits.

People

Jeff Quint

Owner/Founder

Fourth-generation Iowa farmer who established Cedar Ridge Distillery in 2005. Combines agricultural expertise with distilling innovation to create award-winning spirits that showcase Iowa's terroir.

Laurie Quint

Owner/Founder

Co-founder instrumental in developing Cedar Ridge's sustainable practices. Oversees operations that integrate family farming traditions with modern distillery management while maintaining environmental responsibility.

Murphy Quint

Master Distiller

Responsible for maintaining quality across all spirit production. Implements innovative aging techniques that leverage Iowa's climate to create distinctive flavor profiles recognized in national competitions.

Jamie Siefken

President

Manages daily operations and strategic growth. Ensures the distillery maintains its position as Iowa's leading bourbon producer while expanding distribution across the Midwest region.

Megan Patz

Director of Marketing

Promotes Cedar Ridge's brand identity through storytelling that emphasizes local sourcing and traditional craftsmanship. Develops initiatives that connect consumers with the distillery's Iowa heritage.

Questions

What makes Cedar Ridge whiskey unique compared to other bourbons?

Our whiskey uses 100% Iowa-grown corn from the world's most fertile soil, aged in non-temperature-controlled rick houses that enhance flavor development through Iowa's distinct seasonal changes.

Do you offer distillery tours and tastings?

Yes, we provide daily distillery tours with whiskey tastings. Our tasting room operates seven days a week with extended hours during summer months.

Where can I purchase Cedar Ridge products?

Our spirits are available through our on-site retail store, Iowa retailers, and select Midwest distributors. Limited releases can be purchased through our private barrel program.

Are Cedar Ridge spirits gluten-free?

Yes, our Clearheart Vodka is distilled from corn, making it naturally gluten-free. All our spirits undergo distillation processes that remove gluten proteins.

What events does Cedar Ridge host annually?

We host seasonal events including barrel releases, whiskey pairing dinners, and live entertainment in our tasting room. Private events like weddings and corporate functions are also available.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Laiken Whitters

Dec 15, 2021 Report

If you like red wine, cabinet reserve is the glass (or bottle) to get. Pairs well with the queso ap and any of the flatbreads. Recommend any of the cocktails, have yet to try one I didnt care for - pictured here is Santas little helper. We love Cedar Ridge.

Tori

Sep 25, 2021 Report

FABULOUS! Great ambience with the vineyard in the background. Pizza is VERY good, and the prices for food are on point. Especially Wednesday for buy one, get one 1/2 on pizza. Drinks are good, but a little pricey but they are very tasty. Looks like it would be a great wedding venue. 10/10 recommend the club pizza.

Daniel Frommelt

Jul 14, 2021 Report

Awesome Sunday brunch with a great variety, great drink specials, and an Amazing tour (and even live music!)
We went because I have had the Cedar Ridge Bourbon and enjoyed it and wanted a tour of the facility. Searching the website, I found out that Cedar Ridge offers a Sunday brunch... Even better with smoked brisket! I made reservations (recommend) and traveled with friends to visit and share in the experience. It was well worth the two hour drive just for the brunch. The tour was even better! Our guide Valerie was amazing and very knowledgeable. She used to work part time in the distillery

Cassie Ellis

Jan 14, 2021 Report

Cedar ridge is a beautiful winery & distillery. Service was amazing. Staff was polite and checked in often. Went to listen to live music Joe & Tay!! You need to check them out! The sitting area was large and beautiful lit. Ordered the meat and cheese tray and a steak pizza. Both were delicious and pack full of flavor. Cheese curds were locally made! If you have not check out Cedar Ridge put it on your to do!

A. B.

Nov 13, 2020 Report

We spent an early afternoon and evening here and had a wonderful time. The wait staff was great and very polite. We did both wine and whiskey tasting and enjoyed two very tasty wood-fired pizzas. Man, were they good! Plus, we got to enjoy some evening music with more wine. We also sat outside and enjoyed the cool weather. Highly recommend you pay them a visit. Great place!