Home American Single Malt The QuintEssential American Single Malt Whiskey

The QuintEssential American Single Malt Whiskey

July 5, 2022 · By Matthew Evans · 8.8 / 10
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Whiskey Consensus Score
8.8 /10
Excellent
Score Breakdown
Nose
8.8
Palate
8.9
Finish
8.8
Complexity
8.5
Value
9.1
Consensus Score
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Palate
Finish
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Nose 5.0
Palate 5.0
Finish 5.0
Complexity 5.0
Value 5.0
8.8
/ 10
Our Verdict
Excellent

Cedar Ridge Distillery was founded in 2005 and is the first licensed distillery in the state of Iowa since prohibition.

The Good

  • Flavor Profile
  • Value

The Bad

  • Availability For Some
The QuintEssential Signature Blend

A little background

Cedar Ridge was founded in 2005 and is the first licensed distillery in Iowa since prohibition. In 2010 Cedar Ridge released their first batch of whiskey. The Quint family has farmed and distilled whiskey for generations. James Quint founded this distillery because he believed it was time for Iowa to share their homegrown bourbon whiskey with the world. The QuintEssential is handcrafted from 100% pure malted barley and aged in American Oak before being uniquely cask finished. This American Single Malt Whiskey is bottled at 92 proof and carries a retail price of around $60 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Cinnamon and spice with pleasant sweet notes of peach and milk chocolate.

Palate

Continued spice with sweet vanilla, peaches, caramel, and malt.

Finish

Molasses, chocolate, and a hint of smokey peat. 

In closing

Simply put, I was quite impressed by Cedar Ridge The QuintEssential. The boasts a beautiful nose, a thick and rich palate, and an enjoyably long finish. The spice, stone fruit and chocolate flavor profile combine to create a harmonious drinking experience. I would not think twice about picking up a bottle of this wonderfully executed American Single Malt Whiskey.

 

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Cedar Ridge. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.

The QuintEssential Signature Blend

92 Proof
8.8

Nose

8.8/10

Palate

8.9/10

Finish

8.8/10

Complexity

8.5/10

Value

9.1/10

The Good

  • Flavor Profile
  • Value

The Bad

  • Availability For Some
Tried this one? Your score shapes the Consensus. Add your score ↓
American Single Malt Cedar Ridge Review Single Malt Review

Every bottle on Whiskey Consensus is evaluated across five categories on a 1–100 scale. The five scores are averaged to produce a final overall score out of 10.

Nose
Aroma, complexity & first impressions
Palate
Flavor, balance & mouthfeel
Finish
Length, character & quality
Complexity
Depth, layers & evolution in the glass
Value
Quality relative to retail price
Score Rating What It Means
9.5 – 10.0ExceptionalOne for the history books
9.0 – 9.4OutstandingA benchmark expression
8.5 – 8.9GreatSeek this bottle out
8.0 – 8.4Very GoodAbove average in every way
7.5 – 7.9GoodWorth your money
7.0 – 7.4Above AverageA solid everyday pour
6.5 – 6.9AverageUnremarkable but drinkable
6.0 – 6.4Below AverageHard to recommend
5.5 – 5.9Hard PassBetter options at this price
0.0 – 5.4AvoidNot worth your time or money
Matthew Evans
About the Author
Matthew Evans
Whiskey Reviewer · Whiskey Consensus  · 512 posts

Matthew is the founder and visionary behind Whiskey Consensus. What began as a project to explore the Instagram platform and share a love for whiskey has evolved into so much more. Professionally, Matthew works in digital marketing as a solutions engineer and sales leader, bringing innovative strategies to the table. Outside of work, Matthew is an avid runner, as well as a car and watch enthusiast. He is also deeply committed to giving back to the community through various volunteer responsibilities.

More by Matthew Evans →

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