Cedar Ridge Becomes Top-Selling Whiskey in Iowa, Topping Maker’s, Beam
Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division sales records for the past 12 months show that Cedar Ridge Iowa Straight Bourbon Whiskey is now the top-selling bourbon in Iowa, topping mass-produced brands like Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam.
The sales revenue milestone is based on sales of 750ml retail bottles in the state, according to a news release distributed by Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery. Sales numbers were not disclosed.
Cedar Ridge also becomes the first craft distiller in the country to produce a top-selling bourbon in any state. The winery and distillery became the first licensed distillery in the state of Iowa since Prohibition in 2005.
Cedar Ridge co-owner Jeff Quint pointed toward whiskey being a natural fit for Iowa distillers.
“Iowa produces more corn than any state in the country, and most distilled spirits are made from corn,” Cedar Ridge co-owner Jeff Quint said in the news release. “Yet, before Cedar Ridge, we Iowans were importing 100% of the $350 million in distilled spirits we consume each year. We were selling $4 worth of corn to other states and then buying back $40 worth of spirits made from our own corn.”
Added head distiller Murphy Quint, “I think we’ve proven that you can build a successful whiskey brand from anywhere in the world. … Five to 10 years from now, I wouldn’t be surprised if most states have a craft producer as their No. 1-selling brand.”