We’ve been maintaining tabs on Iowa’s Cedar Ridge for some time now, most just lately overlaying their QuintEssential Signature Mix, a solera model vatting of their American single malt aged for 2 years in ex-bourbon casks after which completed in as much as 20 totally different cask varieties. At present, we’re taking a look at a particular launch of Cedar Ridge single malt which seems to bear a barely totally different maturation. Like their different malts, this one is produced from 100% 2-row pale malted barley, however it has been aged considerably longer, six years, in ex-bourbon casks. In lieu of the solera model vatting, the ultimate mix here’s a mixture of that six-year-old single malt aged in first-fill Ruby Port, first-fill Amontillado sherry, and first-fill virgin French oak casks. Let’s test it out.
As you may count on from all these first-fill ending casks, the aroma right here is very large, with tons of fortified wine affect. Issues kick off with a wave of lush pink fruits – raspberry, strawberry, black cherry – earlier than the malts even arrive, bringing notes of sticky candy barley sugar and toasted shortbreads. Roasted nuts and contemporary baking spice are sprinkled all through, including welcome complexity, and because it opens, a giant grilled peach be aware develops. The palate is rather less balanced than the nostril, heavy with Port-fueled notes of dunnage flooring, oxidized wine, and darkish, plummy fruits. Brighter notes of dried apricot and lemon cookies provide some balancing distinction on the midpalate earlier than a heat and unusually savory end of slivered almonds, berry tart, and peppered bacon. Initially, all these cask finishes felt a bit heavy handed and disjointed, however I actually got here round to this one over a number of tastings. It’s a full throttle American single malt not for the faint of coronary heart, however one which’s positively value exploring.
117.2 proof.
A- / $100 / cedarridgedistillery.com
Cedar Ridge The QuintEssential Particular Launch – Portside
$100
