Cedar Ridge - The QuintEssential Number Five American Single Malt Whiskey Review

 

Photo courtesy of Cedar Ridge Distillery

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 Number Five.

 

“For Cedar Ridge Distillery, the number five has always held historic significance. We were first established in 2005, marking the beginning of our journey. From our beloved Madeira inspired dessert wine V (Roman Numeral 5) to our owners last name, Quint, meaning five, this number has consistently been featured in our story. It only felt fitting that our fifth edition of The QuintEssential Special Release has a name that is a dedication to this story as well. Introducing Number Five.” – Cedar Ridge Distillery

 

After maturing in former Bourbon barrels, the whiskey was then finished in five different vintage barrels – thus sticking to that “five” theme.

 

How does Number Five taste? We have to #DrinkCurious to answer that. But first, I must thank Cedar Ridge Distillery for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

• Whiskey Type: American Single Malt
• Distiller: Cedar Ridge Distillery
• Age: NAS (at least four years)
• Mashbill: 100% two-row Pale malted barley
• Cooperage: Matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, the finished in imported Port casks, Estate Port casks, imported Madeira wine casks, Estate V Casks (a Madeira-inspired wine), Estate Marquette wine casks (an estate-grown red grape).
• Alcohol Content: 58.9% ABV (117.8°)
• Price per 750mL: $99.99

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass to explore Number Five neat. The brilliant copper color was mesmerizing; a medium, sticky rim formed on the wall, releasing wide, slow, medium-spaced tears.

 

Nose: After allowing the whiskey to breathe for about ten minutes, I brought the glass under my nose and inhaled. The aroma included ripe plums, red currants, leather, chocolate, and muted oak. Chocolate exploded in my mouth when I drew the air through my lips.

 

Palate: I took my first sip and discovered a thin, velvety texture. Fruity flavors of plums, red currants, and dried apricots danced across the front of my palate. Midway through the sipping experience, I found dark chocolate, roasted almonds, and toffee. The back featured French oak, clove, and leather.

 

Finish: It started spicy and then competed with savory flavors. French oak, toffee, clove, chocolate, and leather were as if I was on a see-saw. It was an even-keeled finish, lasting 1:51. Chocolate was the last to exit.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Murphy Quint, Cedar Ridge’s Master Distiller, is a talented guy, especially as it pertains to American Single Malts. I can’t think of any version of The QuintEssential that I’ve not found impressive. Number Five is well-balanced, engaging, and very, very good. When you consider the time, care, and ingenuity involved in bringing such a spectacular, delicious whiskey to market, there is a true return on investment, and worth the added expense. 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.