Iowa’s premier distillery is making waves in the spirits industry once again. Cedar Ridge Distillery, under the masterful direction of Murphy Quint, has announced the release of their highly anticipated Annual Double Barrel Bourbon alongside a brand-new Limited Edition Double Barrel Rye. Both expressions will hit shelves nationwide on November 7th, marking another milestone for America’s heartland whiskey production.
For food and beverage professionals tracking premium spirits trends, this dual release represents more than just new products: it’s a testament to the growing sophistication of Midwest distilling and the increasing demand for innovative barrel-finishing techniques among discerning consumers.
The Art of Double Barrel Finishing
What sets Cedar Ridge apart in the crowded whiskey landscape isn’t just their Iowa terroir, but their commitment to the double barrel finishing process. Master Distiller Murphy Quint and his team have perfected this technique, transferring their flagship spirits into second, new American oak barrels to achieve deeper complexity and enhanced flavor profiles.
“This is one of the most anticipated releases we work on each year,” says Murphy Quint. “Both releases show off our Iowa whiskeys in a unique way and shine the spotlight on our finishing technique.”
This secondary maturation process allows the spirits to extract additional tannins, vanillins, and oak character from freshly charred staves, creating a more concentrated and nuanced drinking experience. For restaurant owners and beverage directors, these expressions offer the kind of premium backstory and craftsmanship that resonates with today’s educated consumers.
Annual Double Barrel Bourbon: A Flagship Expression
The Annual Double Barrel Bourbon continues Cedar Ridge’s tradition of excellence with a carefully crafted mashbill of 74% corn, 14% rye, and 12% malted barley. This grain composition provides the perfect balance of sweetness from the corn, spice from the rye, and enzymatic complexity from the malted barley.
Bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV), this expression delivers the kind of robust character that serious whiskey enthusiasts expect from premium American bourbon. The higher proof point isn’t just for show: it allows the complex flavors developed during the double barrel process to shine through without being dulled by over-dilution.
At an MSRP of $59.99, the Double Barrel Bourbon positions itself in the premium tier while remaining accessible to establishments looking to offer elevated spirits without breaking their beverage budget. This price point makes it an attractive option for restaurants wanting to feature locally-inspired, craft spirits in their whiskey programs.
Award-Winning Recognition
The Double Barrel Bourbon’s quality isn’t just marketing speak: it’s backed by impressive industry recognition:
- 2024 ASCOT Awards: PLATINUM
- 2024 TAG Awards: BEST IN SHOW
- 2023 Barleycorn Awards: DOUBLE GOLD
- 2023 ASCOT Awards: PLATINUM
- 2022 Barleycorn Awards: DOUBLE GOLD
- 2022 New York International Spirits Competition: 95 POINTS
This level of consistent recognition across multiple competitions demonstrates the reliability and excellence that beverage managers need when selecting spirits for their programs.
Limited Edition Double Barrel Rye: A Bold New Expression
While the bourbon represents tradition, the Limited Edition Double Barrel Rye showcases Cedar Ridge’s innovative spirit. With a mashbill of 85% rye, 12% corn, and 3% malted barley, this expression delivers the bold, spicy character that rye enthusiasts crave.
The high rye content creates an entirely different flavor profile from the bourbon, offering notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and baking spices that make it ideal for craft cocktails or sipping neat. The minimal corn content allows the rye’s natural spiciness to dominate, while the small amount of malted barley provides essential enzymes for fermentation without overwhelming the grain character.
Like its bourbon counterpart, the Double Barrel Rye is bottled at 105 proof and carries the same $59.99 MSRP, making it an accessible premium option for establishments looking to diversify their rye whiskey offerings.
Immediate Industry Recognition
Despite being a new release, the Double Barrel Rye has already garnered significant attention:
- 2025 ASCOT Awards: DOUBLE PLATINUM
- 2025 SIP Awards: DOUBLE GOLD
- 2025 Barleycorn Awards: DOUBLE GOLD
This early recognition suggests strong potential for the limited edition expression to become a sought-after addition to premium spirits programs.
Cedar Ridge: Iowa’s Distilling Pioneer
Founded by Jeff and Laurie Quint, Cedar Ridge Distillery recently celebrated its 20th anniversary as Iowa’s first and oldest distillery. This milestone represents two decades of dedication to producing premium Midwest whiskey from America’s grain belt, managing every step of production while allowing nature to be the ultimate guide.
The distillery’s agricultural roots run deep. Influenced by its winemaking heritage and farming background, Cedar Ridge consistently produces high-quality, award-winning products that reflect the terroir of their Iowa location. This farm-to-bottle approach resonates strongly with today’s consumers who value transparency and local sourcing.
Industry Leadership Recognition
Cedar Ridge’s commitment to excellence extends beyond their products:
- 2023 Barleycorn Awards: Best Small Distillery of the Year
- 2017 American Distilling Institute: Distillery of the Year
Master Blender Murphy Quint has also received individual recognition, earning a spot on the 2025 CBJ 40 Under 40 list, highlighting his impact on the industry and innovative approach to whiskey production.
What This Means for Food & Beverage Professionals
The release of Cedar Ridge’s Double Barrel expressions represents several important trends in the spirits industry that F&B professionals should note:
Premium Positioning at Accessible Price Points: At $59.99, both expressions offer the quality and story that justifies premium pricing while remaining accessible to a broad range of establishments.
Regional Pride and Authenticity: Iowa-made spirits tap into the growing consumer interest in regional products and authentic, local stories.
Innovation in Traditional Categories: The double barrel finishing technique demonstrates how established distilleries can innovate without abandoning traditional methods.
Award Validation: The extensive competition recognition provides third-party validation that helps with staff training and customer confidence.
Availability and Distribution
Both the Annual Double Barrel Bourbon and Limited Edition Double Barrel Rye will be available starting November 7th through multiple channels:
- National retail distribution
- Direct from distillery at Cedar Ridge’s Swisher, Iowa location
- Online sales through the distillery’s e-commerce platform
For establishments interested in featuring these expressions, the national distribution ensures reliable supply chains, while the online availability provides flexibility for special events or limited-time promotions.
Food and beverage professionals can also visit tillamook.com/recipes for cocktail recipe inspiration and pairing suggestions that can help maximize the potential of these premium spirits in their beverage programs.
The Cedar Ridge Double Barrel releases represent exactly the kind of innovative, quality-driven spirits that today’s discerning consumers seek. With their combination of traditional craftsmanship, innovative techniques, and proven award-winning quality, both expressions offer food and beverage professionals compelling options for elevating their spirits programs while supporting American craft distilling.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
