Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof Bourbon Review

Distillery: Cedar Ridge Distillery – Swisher, Iowa

Proof: 116.0 (58.0% ABV)

Age: Three – Four Years

Mashbill: 74% Corn, 14% Malted Rye, 12% Malted Barley

MSRP: $49

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Strong Enough to Notice.  Balanced Enough to Enjoy.

This 2025 Barrel Proof release from Cedar Ridge Distillery is a barrel strength presentation of their base bourbon; a bourbon that is built on grain-forward structure with restrained oak influence.  Bottled at 116 proof and priced well below much of the others in the barrel proof category, this whiskey does not rely on heavy barrel impact to make its case for quality.  Instead, it asks us to pay attention to how sweetness, spice, and its proof behave once they settle, and how clearly the mashbill shows up while the oak stays in the background.

This expression reveals its quality and character, not through escalating intensity, but through composure.  It shows off by the proof asserting itself, then recedes, and finally the grain ultimately carries the profile from Nose to Finish.

Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.5/5

Sweet and clean with a grain-forward emphasis.  Intensity sits at medium+, led by sweet citrus and fresh corn-driven sweetness.  Very slight undernote leans medicinal which momentarily interrupts an otherwise clean profile.

Strengths:  Clean.  Clear sweetness.  No muddled or over-oaked notes.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The range stays pretty narrow.  The medicinal note makes for a brief but noticeable interruption.
Rating Justification:  A straightforward, composed Nose that is more about clarity than complexity.

Palate – 4.6/5

The first sip hits with proof, no question, but it doesn’t linger in that intensity.  Within moments, things settle into a sweet and savory groove.  Corn sweetness leads, followed by a distinct rye spice pop that adds energy without turning sharp or aggressive.  

Strengths:  Proof intensity settles quickly.  Clear handoff from sweetness to spice.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Minimal barrel presence limits mid-Palate layers.
Rating Justification:  Once the proof settles down, the Palate stays focused and easy to follow, with sweetness and spice taking turns rather than piling on top of each other.

Finish – 4.5/5

Medium in length with more going on than the previously mentioned restraint might suggest.  Avoids bitterness entirely and circles back to sweet citrus before fading.  Closes out cleanly without any bitter aftertaste.

Strengths:  Clean exit.  No tannic distraction.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Limited length.
Rating Justification:  It wraps up clean and sweet, without turning bitter or hanging on longer than it needs to.

Value – 4.8/5

At $49, this is an easy bottle to justify.  You’re getting full barrel proof without the usual tradeoff of heavy oak or aggressive heat.  Instead, it drinks cleaner and more controlled than many higher-priced barrel proof bourbons.  If you’re looking for strong barrel character, this isn’t your bottle.  If you want a barrel proof without barrel fatigue, the Value here makes a lot of sense.

Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof Bourbon Review: The Verdict

This is a barrel proof bourbon that hits hard on the first sip, then quickly settles into a comfortable rhythm.  Sweetness and spice stay clear.  The proof never runs over you.  The Finish leaves the Palate clean rather than feeling worn down.  If you want big oak and a long tannic ending, look elsewhere.  If you want a barrel proof you can actually some spend time with and enjoy reading the flavors and influences, this one delivers.

Verdict – 4.6/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3