Portside II brings together Iowa-grown whiskey, three distinctive barrel finishes, and a little Midwest magic.

When it comes to making great bourbon, Kentucky might get most of the attention, but there’s a distillery tucked away in the Iowa countryside that continues to prove some of America’s finest whiskey comes from the heart of corn country.

Cedar Ridge Distillery, located in Swisher, Iowa, has quietly built a reputation for producing some of the highest-quality whiskey in America. And with its latest release, Portside II, the folks at Cedar Ridge are once again demonstrating that good Iowa grain, creative barrel finishing, and a little patience can produce something pretty special.

Of course, when you’re making bourbon in the nation’s leading corn-producing state, you’ve already got a pretty good head start.

A Little Iowa Corn Goes a Long Way

Founded in 2003 by Jeff and Laurie Quint, Cedar Ridge was built around a simple idea. Why shouldn’t Iowa, a state practically swimming in corn, be making world-class bourbon?

More than two decades later, the distillery has answered that question many times over.

Cedar Ridge has become one of our favorite American whiskey producers, consistently turning out impressive bourbons, ryes, and single malts that deserve a place alongside the industry’s biggest names. Its agricultural roots and winemaking background give the distillery a personality all its own.

Portside II begins with Cedar Ridge’s flagship Iowa bourbon, made from a mashbill of 74% corn, 14% rye, and 12% malted barley. It’s a grain-forward foundation that celebrates the agricultural heartland before taking a rather interesting detour through some European-inspired barrels.

And that’s where things get fun.

Three Finishes, One Iowa Bourbon

Portside II takes its inspiration from Cedar Ridge’s 2023 QuintEssential Special Release, a whiskey that developed quite a following among fans of the distillery.

But rather than simply recreate the original, Master Distiller Murphy Quint decided to take the concept in a new direction, moving it from the world of American single malt into bourbon.

After aging in new American oak, the whiskey receives additional finishing in three different types of casks: new French oak, first-fill Amontillado sherry, and first-fill port.

The port barrels themselves have quite a travel history, coming from Portugal, California, and Cedar Ridge’s own estate.

That’s a lot of passport stamps for a whiskey that started life in an Iowa cornfield.

The combination is designed to bring rich fruit, nutty complexity, and additional oak character to the bourbon without losing the familiar backbone that makes Cedar Ridge whiskey so appealing.

“The original Portside is one of my all-time favorite blends, and Portside II is our chance to push that idea further,” said Quint.

According to Quint, the new release carries forward the original’s prominent fig, raisin, and black cherry characteristics, but allows the bourbon to take control as the whiskey moves toward its finish.

It’s an intriguing approach, especially for a distillery that has never been afraid to experiment with the relationship between whiskey and wine barrels.

Big Flavor Without a Big Price Tag

Portside II arrives at a healthy 115 proof (57.5% ABV), giving it plenty of horsepower without wandering into those occasionally intimidating barrel-proof numbers.

And perhaps one of the most appealing details is the price.

At a suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750 mL bottle, Portside II offers an interesting proposition for bourbon enthusiasts looking to explore something beyond the usual suspects.

A limited-release, triple-finished bourbon from one of America’s most consistently impressive craft distilleries for around sixty bucks? That’s certainly worth a closer look.

The whiskey began rolling out November 6 and will be available through retailers in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, South Dakota, California, and Florida. Direct-to-consumer shipping is also offered in 45 states, subject to availability and local regulations.

The Heartland Keeps Delivering

There’s something particularly satisfying about what Cedar Ridge continues to accomplish.

In an industry where heritage, famous names, and Kentucky addresses often dominate the conversation, this family-founded Iowa distillery keeps doing what it does best. It takes quality grain, applies thoughtful craftsmanship, and produces whiskey that can stand comfortably alongside some of the best bottles in America.

Portside II looks like another example of that philosophy, combining Iowa bourbon tradition with the creative influence of the distillery’s winemaking roots.

After all, great bourbon doesn’t have to come from Kentucky.

Sometimes it comes from a cornfield in Iowa, takes a little trip through Portugal and France, and returns home with a pretty interesting story to tell.

For more information, check out Cedar Ridge Distillery.