Cedar Ridge Distillery’s limited-edition release, The QuintEssential: Wine Club, First Meeting, is more than just a bottle of whiskey; it’s a snapshot of patience, craftsmanship, and the art of blending.
Under the direction of Master Blender Murphy Quint, this special edition in the QuintEssential series comes at a time when the distillery’s commitment to excellence and creativity is unmistakable.
The release marks the fourth installment in this sought-after collection, which has already captivated whiskey aficionados with previous expressions like The QuintEssential Portside (which earned a near-perfect 97 points from The Wine Enthusiast) and the Untitled Cigar Malt Project.
What sets this latest release apart is its deeply rooted connection to the winery heritage that Cedar Ridge Distillery proudly shares, and the bold, yet nuanced, combination of wine cask finishes that tell a fascinating story of their own.
Wine cask finishes: The heart of the blend
As you crack open the bottle, you’re greeted with a nose that’s both inviting and complex. Wine Club, First Meeting is an expression that takes full advantage of Cedar Ridge’s unique wine-finishing program. Whereas previous releases incorporated New American Oak or French Oak as a base, this whiskey exclusively relies on four different wine-finished casks: Amontillado Sherry, Tokaji, Moscatel, and Pinot Noir.
Each cask brings a distinctive flair to the final product, weaving a tapestry of flavors that only a distillery with such a deep wine heritage could pull off. The Sherry cask introduces a layer of nuttiness and dried fruit, while the Tokaji brings a delicate, honeyed sweetness. The Moscatel offers a rich, syrupy depth, and the Pinot Noir rounds it all out with a touch of red fruit and subtle earthiness. It’s a journey for your palate … one that will continue to reveal itself with each sip.
Patience rewarded
Murphy Quint himself described this release as a test of his patience, and anyone who’s had a chance to sample Wine Club, First Meeting will recognize that the wait was more than worth it. Blending such diverse casks together takes a master’s touch, and it’s clear that this was not a process rushed for the sake of a deadline or a marketing push. The balance achieved here is remarkable … complex but not overwhelming, rich but never cloying. It’s a whiskey that demands respect but also rewards those who take the time to savor it slowly, without distraction.
At 118.1 proof, this is not a whiskey to be taken lightly. The high ABV adds a satisfying warmth, but the liquid never feels hot or sharp. Instead, it maintains a smoothness that comes from careful maturation and blending, a hallmark of the Cedar Ridge approach.
The experience
On the palate, Wine Club, First Meeting feels like a dance between boldness and refinement. Up front, there’s a sweetness that speaks to the influence of the wine casks—think of a fine dessert wine with a dash of spice. As the sip unfolds, you’re treated to darker, more complex flavors: a hint of chocolate, a touch of oak, and a subtle smokiness that lingers just enough to keep things interesting.
The finish is long, with the fruit notes from the Pinot Noir and Moscatel casks coming to the forefront, accompanied by a slight dryness from the Amontillado Sherry. It’s the kind of whiskey that makes you pause and reflect on the experience, reaching for another sip to unravel its depths.
Should you buy it?
If you’ve been following the QuintEssential series and have been impressed with previous releases, you’ll definitely want to add The QuintEssential: Wine Club, First Meeting to your collection. At $99.99, it sits comfortably in the premium category, but the quality you get in return is undeniable. It’s a bottle that will not only appeal to collectors but also to anyone who appreciates the artistry behind a well-crafted whiskey.
However, it’s not a whiskey for the faint of heart. The bold cask finishes, combined with the high proof, make this a spirit best suited for seasoned whiskey drinkers looking for something complex and challenging. For those new to the world of American Single Malt or wine-finished whiskeys, this might be a bit of an acquired taste.
Available at Cedar Ridge Distillery and online. Limited availability, so act fast if you’re interested in experiencing this unique release.
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