The QuintEssential Special Release: Wine Club, First Meeting American Single Malt Whiskey Review

 

Until this past December, the American Single Malt category was unregulated, and distillers were free to do whatever they wanted. However, now, to carry the label American Single Malt, the whisky must be distilled from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley from a single US distillery, distilled up to 160°, aged in used cooperage, newly-charred or uncharred oak barrels, without the use of neutral spirits, flavoring, blending materials, or color (except e150A caramel coloring, which must be stated on the label). To carry a Straight American Single Malt Label, the whiskey must be aged at least two years (like any other American whiskey).

 

One of the distilleries (and there were several) that pushed hard for a legal definition is Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher, Iowa. The Quint family 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: Wine Club, First Meeting.

 

"Rooted in our winery heritage, this release is a tribute to that legacy. While past expressions have included a foundation of either New American Oak or French Oak, this release exclusively features wine-finishing casks: Amontillado Sherry, Tokaji, Moscatel, and Pinot Noir. Each cask is complex in its own right, and I enjoyed the challenge of blending those complex flavors.” – Murphy Quint, Master Distiller

 

Packaged at 59.05% ABV (118.1°), a 750ml has a suggested price of $99.99. It carries no age statement. The first bottles will be available in Iowa at the distillery in person or at its online store, with other states to follow.

 

Before I get to the #DrinkCurious adventure, I must thank Cedar Ridge for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

Appearance: I poured this whiskey into my Glencairn glass to sip neat. It possessed a glassy, orange-amber color. A bold rim formed, producing widely spaced, slow, thick tears.

 

Nose: Smells of apricots, cherries, honey, orange blossoms, leather, oak, and roasted almonds permeated my nostrils. Drawing that air through my lips exposed me to a taste of dark chocolate.

 

Palate: As the oily texture coated my tongue, flavors of raw honey, dark chocolate, and orange zest hit the front of my palate. I encountered dry leather, cherries, and dates in the middle. The back included oak, figs, and black pepper.

 

Finish: The warming, slightly rising finish featured dark chocolate, dry leather, black pepper, figs, and honey. Its duration lasted only 1:04, placing it in the medium category.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I’ve said it once, and I’ll repeat it: Murphy Quint is a master at distilling American Single Malts. They’ve been flawless in the past, highlighting the apparent influences of various barrel finishes. Wine Club, First Meeting is a journey of wine tours from around the world that still allow the base spirit to shine through. It drinks perhaps ten points below its stated proof, allowing you to casually sip and concentrate on the flavors presented, which wasn’t hampered by the shorter finish. Wine Club, First Meeting was a luxurious whiskey, one that is worth at least its asking price, if not more. My Bottle rating is well deserved. 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.