The QuintEssential Special Release: The Untitled Cigar Malt Project American Single Malt Whiskey Review

 

My journey into American Single Malts has been one of my favorites so far. American Single Malts are sprouting up all over, partially due to distiller experience, venue, and type of barley used, and the various distilleries’ stocks that are starting to mature.

 

The American Single Malt category remains unregulated, so in theory, distillers can do whatever they want, attempting various aging methods, casks, etc. They can call their whiskey a Single Malt even if it doesn’t follow the more traditional definition. However, that time may be ending: There is a proposal for the legal definition awaiting government approval.

 

The Quint family at Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery has been involved in the distilling business for nine generations. The Master Distiller, Jeff Quint, and his son, Murphy, the Master Blender, are long-time Scotch whiskey fans and collaborated to create their own Single Malt called The QuintEssential. Murphy learned how to distill from the folks at Stranahan's in Colorado.

 

The QuintEssential began with 100% two-row barley imported from Canada. It was an incredible blend of peated and unpeated whiskeys that earned a Bottle rating and my 2021 American Single Malt Whiskey Runner-Up Award.

 

Since then, Cedar Ridge has released several other variations, the newest being The Quintessential Special Release: The Untitled Cigar Malt Project.

 

“The vision for this release was a whiskey evoking the rich experience of a cigar. It features bold notes of tobacco, a subtle hint of smoke, a balanced character and a lengthy finish.” – Murphy Quint

 

The Untitled Cigar Malt Project is a blend of single malts that aged in Cedar Ridge ex-Bourbon barrels, which was then finished in Cedar Ridge V (a Madiera-like dessert wine) casks, first-fill Amontillado sherry barrels, new French oak casks, new American #3 charred oak, and peated malt finished in ruby port casks. It is packaged at 57.45% ABV (114.9°), and a 750ml has a suggested price of $99.99.

 

Before I get to the #DrinkCurious part, I must thank Cedar Ridge for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review. Let’s do this!

 

Appearance: This single malt possessed a rusty appearance. It was deep, dark, and orange. A thicker rim formed, which created very slow, husky droplets.

 

Nose: Oh my! The aroma had big, bold, fruity notes, including plums and cherries, then became chocolatey. Then, it transformed into leather and tobacco. Next, it became nutty before finally revealing the French oak component. Drawing the vapor into my mouth allowed me to experience rich, dark chocolate.

 

Palate: I encountered a very thin and oily texture. The front of my palate discovered leather, a mild smokiness, and plums. As it moved to my mid-palate, I tasted tobacco, dark chocolate, and vanilla. The back had flavors of maple syrup, black pepper, and French oak.

 

Finish: There are long finishes, and then there is The Untitled Cigar Malt Project. I timed the duration at 4:11!

 

First, there was a deep kiss of plums. Then, it featured light smoke, maple syrup, French oak, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The French oak was the last to leave the stage.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I'm impressed each time I try one of Cedar Ridge’s American Single Malts. The Untitled Cigar Malt Project may be the best thing I’ve tried from the distillery. It hits every checkmark I can think of. The whiskey is one of many layers and is genuinely complex. It is full of delicious smells and flavors, and that finish? My gosh, it wouldn’t end. You do not want to rush through this sipping experience; take your time, relax, and enjoy. Yeah, it earns my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.