Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Cedar Ridge Distillery – Swisher, Iowa

Proof: 105.0 (52.5% ABV)

Age: Undisclosed

Mashbill: 85% Rye, 12% Corn, 3% Malted Barley

MSRP: $60

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Secondary Aging Done Right

Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey sits at an interesting place in the rye category.  With a mashbill that remains firmly rye-forward and a proof that suggests intent at intensity, the addition of the second barrel introduces an influence beyond standard aging.  The question with any double-barreled expression is not whether it adds flavor, that’s a given.  The real question with any double-barreled rye is whether those added flavors work with the rye or compete with it.

In this case, the finishing does not feel “decorative”.  The second barrel shows up early, shaping the whiskey’s sweetness and rounding out the spice instead of competing with the rye.  Rather feeling layered or thrown together, the whiskey feels cohesive from the start to its finish.  That’s important when evaluating a secondary aged rye.

This is a rye that uses secondary aging as a guiding hand, not a mask to try to cover up the whiskey that’s underneath.

Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.3/5

Sweet oak.  Cherry.  Apple.  Light herbal note.

Strengths:  The Nose is immediately barrel oak forward but is not heavy-handed.  Sweet oak leads, followed by red fruit and apple.  Faint herbal rye notes lie underneath.  Everything feels settled, rather than sharp or fragmented.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The barrel dominates early, leaving less room for the rye grain to fully show itself.
Rating Justification:  A welcoming, well-integrated Nose that clearly signals the influence of the secondary aging, and yet does not overwhelm the whiskey’s core.

Palate – 4.5/5

Sweet entry.  Cinnamon.  Semi-sweet chocolate.  Biscoff cookie.

Strengths:  The Palate is where the secondary aging proves itself.  Sweet leads but doesn’t linger too long, allowing warm cinnamon spice and chocolate notes to show up.  The flavors feel integrated together rather than layered on top of each other.  No abrupt transitions.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The sweet notes slightly frame the experience and keep the rye from asserting itself.
Rating Justification:  A polished Palate that demonstrates how secondary aging can add a richness and texture without feeling artificial or gimmicky.

Finish – 3.8/5

Long.  Sweet spice.  Red hot candy.

Strengths:  The Finish carries an impressive length.  Spice gradually turns sweet rather than drying out.  The red hot candy note feels like a natural progression from the cinnamon on the Palate making for a continuity of taste rather than it being a “novelty” at the end.
Why It’s Not Higher:  While satisfying and well executed, the Finish stays in its sweet-spice lane and doesn’t venture into new territory.
Rating Justification:  Confident, lingering Finish.  Integration and balance of flavors are strong.

Value – 4.2/5

At $60, Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey positions itself above most entry-level rye whiskeys.  The Value here lies in the expression’s execution of flavors rather than a novelty of aging.  The proof feels well chosen.  The whiskey avoids a too often seen pitfall of using a second barrel to distract from the quality of the base spirit.

For enthusiasts interested in understanding how finishing can support rye rather than obscure it, this bottle offers a strong return on investment.

Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey is a good example of secondary aging done well.  The second barrel shapes sweetness and spice without obscuring the underlying rye, resulting in a whiskey that feels well assembled.

This is not a rye that relies on secondary aging to manufacture excitement.  For enthusiasts curious about secondary aged rye, but wary of novelty, gimmicks or hype, Cedar Ridge offers a clear, confident example that secondary aging can enhance rather than hide. Shop now.

Verdict – 4.2/5

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