Cedar Ridge Distillery Brings Iowa’s Finest Craft Spirits to the 2025 Des Moines Whiskey Festival

Joshua Barnachea
1 day ago
3 min read

Updated: 6 hours ago

The 2025 Des Moines Whiskey Festival is set to be one of the most anticipated events of the year for whiskey lovers across Iowa—and Cedar Ridge Distillery is once again ready to make its mark. Known for its award-winning bourbons and creative craft blends, Cedar Ridge is bringing a full lineup of signature pours, exclusive cocktails, and masterclass sessions designed to highlight the artistry and innovation behind Iowa-made whiskey.

Meet the Cedar Ridge Team

Attendees will have the chance to meet the passionate team behind Cedar Ridge.

Jamie Siefken, joined Cedar Ridge in 2010 and serves as President & General Manager. In his current role, he leads Sales, Marketing, and Hospitality for the brand’s 70-acre property and international spirits distribution. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its distribution to over 35 states and over 10 international markets while becoming the first craft distillery to become the #1 bourbon (750ml) in any state, outselling all legacy brands.

Murphy Quint, Master Distiller & Master Blender at Cedar Ridge Distillery.

Murphy had the unique opportunity to begin his career distilling spirits at the age of 15 when his family opened Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery. In addition to his tenure at Cedar Ridge, Murphy spent time mastering his craft at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey from 2011–2014. He mentored under Master Distiller Rob Dietrich honing his production skills and learning the ropes of distillery management. Since returning Murphy has spearheaded the growth and innovation of whiskey at Cedar Ridge, along with the development of The QuintEssential and American Single Malt as a national category as a board member of the American Craft Spirits Association and The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. He’s also crafted multiple whiskeys that have been nationally recognized and named ‘Best of’ by World Whiskies Awards, ASCOT Awards, TAG Awards, Wine Enthusiast and many others over the years.

Representing Iowa’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition, the Cedar Ridge team will be pouring, educating, and celebrating the craftsmanship that’s made their name synonymous with excellence.

Signature Pour List

Cedar Ridge is offering an exciting variety of pours for both the General Admission (GA) area and the exclusive Speakeasy Experience (SE):

🥃 Original 88 Bourbon (GA)
🥃 Barrel Proof (GA)
🥃 Quintessential Solera (GA)
🥃 Sir Maple (GA)
🥃 Quintessential Special Release #5 (SE)
🥃 Anniversary Edition Bourbon (SE)
🥃 Double Barrel Bourbon (SE)
🥃 Double Barrel Rye (SE)

Each expression showcases Cedar Ridge’s dedication to blending tradition with innovation—perfect for whiskey fans looking to explore new favorites.

Speakeasy Specialty Drinks

Inside the exclusive Speakeasy, guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails that showcase Cedar Ridge’s versatility and creativity:

The Essential – 2oz Quintessential Solera, .5oz orange simple syrup, 2 dashes of Fee Brothers Tobacco Bitters
Ember Old Fashioned – 2oz Barrel Proof, .25oz vanilla simple syrup, 1 dash Black Walnut Bitters

These limited-edition cocktails promise a one-of-a-kind tasting experience for festival VIPs.

GA Specialty Drink

For general admission guests, Cedar Ridge will feature the:

Maple Old Fashioned – made with 2oz Original 88 Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, CR Barrel Aged Maple Syrup, and a touch of orange bitters.

This fan-favorite blend captures the heart of Iowa in every sip—smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced.

Don’t Miss the Masterclass Sessions

Festival-goers will also have a chance to learn directly from Cedar Ridge’s leaders during two Masterclass Sessions:

1:00 PM – “Legends in the Making: Crafting the Legacy of Iowa Whiskey” Speaker: Jamie Siefken, President
2:30 PM – “The Art of the Blend: Master Distillers on Craft, Chemistry & Creativity” Speaker: Murphy Quint, Master Distiller

These intimate sessions offer rare insight into the craft and chemistry behind Cedar Ridge’s most celebrated whiskeys.

Where to Find Cedar Ridge

Cedar Ridge will be located near the GA entrance, featuring their signature trailer setup for tastings, cocktails, and meet-and-greets throughout the weekend.

About Cedar Ridge Distillery

Cedar Ridge Distillery (Swisher, Iowa) has earned national recognition for bringing world-class whiskey to the heartland. With a focus on quality, innovation, and community, Cedar Ridge continues to elevate Iowa’s reputation in the craft spirits industry.

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