Cedar Ridge Port Cask Finished Rye Whiskey Review (2025)
By Richard Thomas
Rating: B+
(Credit: Cedar Ridge Distillery)
I first became acquainted with Cedar Ridge Malted Rye back in 2017, following a visit to the Iowa winery and distillery. That expression was the basis for what is their current Straight Rye. This is a 51% malted rye, 34% normal rye mash, with 12% corn and 3% malted barley (just enough to contribute some enzymes to the mash, and having little to do with the flavor) making up the rest. Cedar Ridge has continually tweaked how it matures its whiskeys since my initial acquaintance with them, something I became aware of as their single malt evolved into The Quintessential, so those long ago experiences are fun to look back on now.
Before it was ever a distillery, Cedar Ridge was a winery. Part of their evolution into an Iowa whiskey-making institution has been making their own Port-style fortified wine, which means when they make a Port cask finished whiskey, the process is entirely in-house. In 2024, they released their inaugural batches of Port cask finished bourbon and rye. I’m only now catching up with it.
The Whiskey
The color on this pour came out as dark red amber in my Glencairn glass. The nose led with pine and musty oak, akin to a mixed firewood pile. Behind that came a dollop of thickened molasses. This was one of those Port finished whiskeys that, as is often the case, the wood of the barrel sang much louder than any influence of ruby or tawny Port. The flavor had a foundation of treacle, but atop that was a dry, spicy layer. Part of that spiciness was the rye, but part was definitely the Port cask’s wood making its presence felt. The finish opened with cinnamon and cardamon before rolling over into dry oak.
Although not particular complex, the whiskey is flavorful and balanced. In particular, I think Cedar Ridge’s rye is better suited to this Port finish than their bourbon was. Keeping in mind the two have the same pricing, if you get to choose, snag this one. It’s very much worthy of it.
The Price
This whiskey goes for $60 a bottle.
