Out of Iowa’s Cedar Ridge comes one other version of “Pete & Sherri Married,” a single malt mix meant to seize the most effective of the distillery’s peated and sherried liquid streams. The collection initially launched in 2019 and returned later with a 1st Anniversary bottling. This newest 2026 model is titled “2nd Anniversary,” a 114.4 proof mix of two important parts:
- Single malt produced from 2-row pale malted barley, initially aged in Cedar Ridge’s ex-bourbon barrels, then completed in Pedro Ximénez & Oloroso sherry hogsheads
- Peated malt aged in Cedar Ridge’s ex-bourbon barrels, then completed in Amontillado sherry butts
The 2 liquid streams are between 6 and 9 years outdated. That is one in every of Cedar Ridge’s extra restricted bottlings, and it’s accessible in restricted distribution in Iowa and on-line. At $99.99, it’s additionally the costliest bottle within the distillery’s whiskey portfolio.
Let’s see the way it tastes!
Cedar Ridge Quintessential Pete & Sherri Married 2nd Anniversary Evaluation
The nostril kicks off with a great deal of nutty sherry affect, which dominate aromas for the primary few sniffs. A wide range of savory parts waltz in after: miso broth, celery salt, and aged parmesan cheese. That blend of umami scents lastly leads into the peat. It’s the sweetest part of the nostril, lending each dessert wine and chargrilled fruit to a nostril that advantages from the eleventh hour steadiness.
Frankly, the nostril threw me for a loop (or two). However all appears proper on the primary sip, which brings waves of preserved fruit, grape jelly, and each apricot and raspberry jam. It’s a markedly candy flip from the nostril, and whereas savory notes make an look, they’re relegated to the sting of the palate, like the ultimate style of sugar-glazed burnt ends. Peat meets extra cooked fruit on the midpalate, particularly cherries and peaches, together with smoked maple syrup.
The end is huge on dried strawberries and cacao, culminating in a daring, lingering, and dry sweetness that showcases these first-fill Amontillado casks.
On the outset, Pete & Sherri Married 2nd Anniversary was a bit difficult to parse. Ultimately, drinkers are rewarded with a fancy palate and wealthy end with depth uncommon amongst American single malts. In the end, I’m glad I gave it the time.
114.4 proof.
A- / $100
Cedar Ridge Quintessential Pete & Sherri Married 2nd Anniversary
USD100
