Top 10 Must-Try Whiskeys at Whiskey Fest DSM—Sponsor Edition

Don’t miss these standout pours from Templeton, Cedar Ridge, Lonely Oak, and exclusive Liquor Lovers store picks—your festival tasting checklist starts here!

Are you ready to sip, savor, and support local? Whiskey Fest DSM 2025 is your chance to experience the best of Iowa’s craft distilling scene, discover new favorites, and celebrate the vibrant community of whiskey lovers right here in the heartland. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or whiskey-curious, this year’s sponsor lineup is packed with must-try pours that showcase the innovation, tradition, and flavor of Iowa and Midwest whiskey. Here’s your essential tasting checklist—perfect for those who value local, love supporting small businesses, and want to make the most of their festival day!

1. Templeton Straight Rye Whiskey (New Flagship Release)

Why Try It: Templeton’s new flagship rye, launched in late 2024, is a bold, spicy, and smooth sipper that honors the brand’s Prohibition-era roots. With notes of vanilla, pineapple, toasted oak, ripe cherries, and dark chocolate, this rye is perfect for both sipping and cocktails.

Local Angle: Distilled and aged in Templeton, Iowa—true “Good Stuff” from a legendary Iowa brand.

2. Templeton Midnight Rye

Why Try It: This innovative blend of rye whiskey and premium dark Port wine delivers a rich, full-bodied experience with flavors of dark cherries, figs, spiced orange peel, and chocolate.

Festival Appeal: Gold medal winner and a unique twist on classic rye—don’t miss this for something truly different.

3. Templeton Rye 13 Year “Hidden Stash Collection”

Why Try It: A rare, limited-edition rye aged 13 years in charred oak barrels. Expect deep complexity: dark chocolate, molasses, sweet tobacco, and a long, spicy finish.

VIP Pick: Seek this out at special tastings or VIP sessions—one for the collectors and serious whiskey fans.

4. Templeton Fortitude Bourbon

Why Try It: Templeton’s first-ever bourbon, released in 2024, features a high-rye mash bill and locally sourced corn. It’s a bold, spicy, and smooth pour that marks a new chapter for the distillery.

Local Angle: A must for bourbon lovers and anyone wanting to taste Iowa’s newest whiskey innovation.

5. Cedar Ridge Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Why Try It: Iowa’s best-selling bourbon, made from locally grown corn and aged in non-air-conditioned warehouses for maximum flavor extraction. Look for notes of caramel, vanilla, fruit, and spice.

Award-Winning: Recently named Iowa’s top craft whiskey at the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition.

6. Cedar Ridge The Quintessential American Single Malt

Why Try It: A malt-forward whiskey aged in wine barrels, reflecting Cedar Ridge’s winemaking heritage. Expect a unique, complex profile with malt, fruit, and subtle oak.

Festival Favorite: A standout for those who want to explore beyond bourbon.

7. Cedar Ridge Double Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

Why Try It: This double-barreled, award-winning bourbon offers intensified flavors of oak, spice, and caramel.

Limited Release: Look for this at special festival tastings or as a store pick—don’t miss your chance to try an Iowa classic.

8. Lonely Oak Steeple Ridge Single Barrel Bourbon (102 Proof)

Why Try It: Made from estate-grown heirloom corn, this single barrel bourbon is creamy, rich, and full of caramel, vanilla, and toffee notes.

Farm-to-Bottle: 100% made on a family farm in western Iowa—true local craftsmanship.

9. Lonely Oak Steeple Ridge Rye

Why Try It: A rye whiskey with a bold, spicy character, made from grains grown and distilled on-site.

Award-Winning: Lonely Oak’s rye and bourbon have both won gold at the Heartland Whiskey Competition—taste what makes them special.

10. Liquor Lovers Store Pick—Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof Bourbon

Why Try It: Exclusive to Liquor Lovers in Ankeny, this single barrel pick is hand-selected for its unique flavor profile—think bold, rich, and one-of-a-kind.

Why It’s Special: Store picks are limited, never-to-be-repeated releases, making them a must for collectors and adventurous tasters.

Bonus: Why Local Matters

Supporting Iowa’s distilleries and retailers means you’re not just enjoying great whiskey—you’re helping local farmers, small businesses, and the vibrant food and beverage scene that makes our state unique. Many of these whiskeys are made from Iowa-grown corn, distilled and aged right here, and reflect the creativity and passion of our community.

Tasting Tips for Festival Day

• Start Local: Try Iowa-made whiskeys first to appreciate the state’s unique “corn-to-glass” character.

• Ask for Store Picks: These are often the most unique and limited pours at the festival.

• Take Notes: Use whiskey tasting terminology—look for flavors like caramel, vanilla, spice, fruit, and oak.

• Meet the Makers: Many distillers and store owners will be on hand—ask about their process and what makes their whiskey special.

• Pace Yourself: With so many must-try options, take your time and enjoy the journey!

Ready to Sip, Savor, and Support Local?

Whiskey Fest DSM 2025 is your ticket to the best of Iowa’s whiskey scene—fun, education, entertainment, and new taste experiences await. Mark your checklist, gather your friends, and get ready for a memorable day of local flavor!

Click here to get your tickets and start planning your tasting adventure!