Cedar Ridge QuintEssential Peat & Sherri 2nd Anniversary: The American Single Malt You Didn't Know You Needed
- Jes Smyth
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
These QuintEssential American Single Malt special releases from Cedar Ridge Distillery are exactly that: special. With a distinct spotlight on Cedar Ridge’s winemaking foundation alongside Iowa distilled malt and a noteworthy age on these blends for the ASM category, Quint and the team at Cedar Ridge have truly tapped into something special here.
Following the award for Best American Single Malt at the World Whiskey Awards for the 1st anniversary of Pete & Sherri, the 2nd anniversary release comes with rather high expectations. Perhaps with that in mind, master distiller Murphy Quint decided to move away from the heavy influence of Amontillado finishing casks and instead introduced Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks alongside Amontillado for this release. Pete & Sherri Married isn’t just a play on words, either, but a literal marrying of peat and sherry into a balanced force of complexity and approachability.
It's a commonly held belief that many whiskey enthusiasts (emphasis on that “e”) shy away from peat because they dislike its smoky profile. After several experiences with Cedar Ridge’s American Single Malt releases and knowledge of Quint’s background and appreciation for Single Malt Scotch, by all accounts, Quint is blazing the trail for American Single Malt and what it can offer to consumers who may not know they need this expression in their lives.
Many thanks to the team at Cedar Ridge for providing a bottle and the opportunity to spend time with this release. I'll be honest—my expectations were high going in, which probably explains why I devoted more time than usual to reviewing it. Was the extra effort justified? Read on to find out.
Company on Label: Cedar Ridge Distillery
Whiskey Type: American Single Malt Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: 100% Iowa grain malted barley
Proof: 114.4° (57.2%)
Age: 6 years (6-8 year blend)
MSRP: $99.99
Further Identification: A blend of 2-row pale malted barley aged in ex-bourbon barrels finished in Pedro Ximénex and Oloroso herry hogsheads and peated malt aged in ex-bourbon barrels finished in Amontillado sherry butts
Nose: The aromas that greet me as I lift the glencarin to my nose are abundantly rich, doughy, and fruit-forward. I find dark cherry skins, silky dark chocolate, and subtle wisps of gentle campfire smoke. Digging my nose deeper into my glass, Cider Ridge funk is found—think humid air, damp soil, and sun-warmed barrels. My mouth is watering as I swirl the liquid, but I remain diligent on nosing. Peppermint leaves, freshly grated ginger, and tingly bits enter my nostrils, quite the fun experience with the liquid warming and evolving. Okay, I can't hold off anymore; it's time for a taste. The nose is a bit more proof forward after a sip. There’s a craft funk that only marginally contributes to the rolling landscape of evolving aromas earlier, but certainly adds a lovely bit of flair. As the liquid begins to disappear, I am too, into rows of grapevines and grass damp with evening dew. Having sat with this pour for almost an hour now, it has mellowed substantially into a comfortable full circle moment, cherry syrup over thick chocolate cake. The empty glass smells of light campfire smoke, melted candle wax, and a fruit pie compote.
Palate: The liquid on my tongue is silky and heavy, coating every nook and cranny with cherry and grape notes. Balancing the sweet, I find spice, both from the heat of this higher proof pour and a refined oak spice, subtle cinnamon with clove. A second sip ushers in more cherry notes with big chocolate energy. The finishing casks are certainly the stars shooting across my tongue with the malted whiskey steady as a bright full moon. The peat is subtle, so much so that it’s easy to look it over. There’s also a dry, earthy influence I’m finding on the back palate—dusty tilled farm fields and dry artisan bread from a farmers market. Additional sips layer fruit with chocolatey desserts, best eaten in a clear dish and a silver spoon. Nearing the bottom of my glass, the flavors continue to roll over my tongue, not super sticky per se, but lovely in a cohesive way. Malted milk balls and cherry jam round out my final sip.
TL;DR: A rich and expressive pour that your taste buds will enjoy even more
Rating: 4/5
It's not often I use the phrase "run, don't walk" (actually, this may be the first time), so let that be a testament to how serious I am. At the time of publication (June 2026), Cedar Ridge announced their first Double Gold award from the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Pete and Sherri. Also at this time, bottles are still available for purchase on Cedar Ridge's website. Run, don't walk, folks. So, if you can snag a bottle, do it!
