Featured Food Trucks: Perfect Iowa Bites to Pair with Cedar Ridge & Lonely Oak Spirits at the Des Moines Whiskey Festival

Featured Food Trucks: Pairing Iowa Bites with Cedar Ridge and Lonely Oak Spirits

Whiskey and food — a match made in flavor heaven. At this year’s Des Moines Whiskey Festival, the lineup isn’t just about Iowa’s finest pours; it’s about pairing those pours with the perfect local bites.

This year’s featured food trucks are rolling in with mouthwatering menus that complement the bold character of Cedar Ridge and the smooth sophistication of Lonely Oak Distillery. Whether you crave smoky BBQ, crispy street tacos, or sweet festival treats, you’ll find the perfect pairing to elevate every sip.

Join us on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 12–5 PM at the Horizon Events Center for a flavor experience unlike any other.

Cedar Ridge Pairings: Bold Flavors Meet Smooth Bourbon

As Iowa’s first bourbon distillery, Cedar Ridge has perfected the art of balance — smooth yet rich, complex yet approachable. Pairing food with their whiskeys means embracing flavors that enhance, not overpower, their natural sweetness and spice.

Here are a few perfect festival matches:

• BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches — The smoky, tangy sauce complements the caramel and oak notes of Cedar Ridge’s award-winning Bourbon.

• Whiskey-Glazed Chicken Wings — A crowd favorite that mirrors Cedar Ridge’s toffee and vanilla finish.

• Mini Bourbon Donuts — For dessert lovers, try pairing them with Cedar Ridge’s Port Cask Finish for a sweet, smooth close.

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Cedar Ridge’s booth will also feature tasting tips from distillers and recommended pairings for their small-batch releases — so you can discover new flavor combinations firsthand.

Lonely Oak Spirits Pairings: Craft, Character & Comfort Food

From the heart of western Iowa, Lonely Oak Distillery brings bold, handcrafted whiskeys that tell a story in every glass. Known for their Steeple Ridge Bourbon and Freedom First Whiskey, their profiles shine alongside hearty, comforting bites.

Try these festival-ready pairings:

• Gourmet Smash Burgers — Juicy, rich, and perfect with Steeple Ridge Bourbon’s smoky-sweet flavor.

• Street Tacos (Carnitas or Brisket) — The spice and citrus cut through Freedom First’s warm vanilla undertones.

• Chocolate Whiskey Brownies — Decadent and smooth, pairing beautifully with a neat pour of Lonely Oak’s Reserve.

These food truck favorites highlight why whiskey and local food are a match that keeps Iowans coming back for more.

Festival Flavor: Where Local Food Meets Local Whiskey

At the Des Moines Whiskey Festival, every sip tells a story — and every bite adds a new chapter. This collaboration between Iowa’s top distilleries and local food trucks creates a vibrant, sensory atmosphere that celebrates craftsmanship from both the kitchen and the barrel.

Between bites, guests can explore whiskey tastings, live music, and artisan vendors — making it more than just an event; it’s a culinary and cultural experience.

Taste It All — Get Your Tickets Now!

Don’t miss your chance to pair your favorite Iowa spirits with the best local food trucks in the state.

📅 Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025  🕛 Time: 12–5 PM  📍 Location: Horizon Events Center, Clive, Iowa  🎫 Tickets: Grab Yours Here »

Come hungry, sip boldly, and celebrate the flavors that make Iowa whiskey one-of-a-kind.