Iowa Distilled Liquor in the Hawkeye State
Traveling through Nebraska, one may overlook the neighboring state of Iowa, which boasts a rich history of distillation. Iowa distilled liquor, though lesser-known compared to other notable American whiskey-producing states, is a topic worth exploring in-depth. With the reintroduction of craft distilleries in the early 21st century, Iowa's distillation scene has witnessed significant growth, bringing forth unique flavors and innovative techniques.
The first recorded instance of Iowa distillation dates back to 1830s, when early settlers began to produce moonshine, fermented from the abundance of corn in the region. This practice would eventually result in the production of the distinctively flavored corn whiskey, Iowa's mainstay in the world of distilled liquor. Cedar Ridge Distillery, located in Swisher, Iowa, about 13 miles southwest of Cedar Rapids, is an excellent example of a mid-sized Iowa distillery, primarily focusing on corn-based whiskeys and bourbons.
One such whiskey is the Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon, an American Straight Bourbon made from a blend of Iowa corn, rye, and malted barley. Matured in oak barrels for two to three years, the resulting flavor profile combines sweet, corn-forward notes, along with hints of spicy rye and a subtle oak undertone. Similarly, the Mississippi River Distilling Company, situated in LeClaire, Iowa, near the Iowa-Illinois border, has gained recognition for their efforts in creating the Iowa-made Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey. Through collaborations with local farmers and distillers, these Iowa-based companies strive to maintain authenticity, quality, and sustainability in the distillation process.
Iowa's distillation industry operates under strict regulations that necessitate an amalgamation of traditional and modern techniques. Each distillery adheres to specific parameters set forth by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division, concerning aspects like fermentation time, proof limits, and barrel-aging procedures. To achieve uniformity and consistency in their product lines, Iowa distilleries often adopt innovative and cutting-edge methods that incorporate advanced distillation technologies.
Templeton Rye Whiskey, an acclaimed Iowa label with historical roots, contributes significantly to Iowa's tradition of crafting premium rye whiskey. Founded in the Prohibition era by the town's residents in Templeton, a small town in Carroll County, Iowa, Templeton Rye focuses on re-creating the elusive bootlegged Templeton recipe by selecting premium grains, mastering an old-fashioned distillation technique, and implementing aging procedures. Although modern-day distilleries adopt time-saving and efficient techniques, this tradition, now updated and modernized, showcases Iowa distilled liquor's dynamic past and present spirit.
Considering Iowa's unique blend of terroir and production methods, their distilled liquor serves as a niche gem in the whiskey world. By delving into the rich history and various styles that distinguish Iowa distilled liquor, travelers will discover an area ripe with opportunities for exploration, tastings, and insightful conversations about American whiskey-making. When traveling through Nebraska, an Iowa detour to taste exceptional spirits such as Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon and Templeton Rye Whiskey will enrich one's knowledge of the food and drink that define the Midwestern United States.
Iowa distilled liquor possesses an exclusive allure due to the people involved in their manufacturing and agricultural backbones, its unique grains, or combination of innovations and tradition. Instead of mirroring the influential East Coast whiskey scene, Iowa breweries carved their signature by capitalizing on existing local knowledge and the spirit of innovation fostered during the first centuries of America.
While corn and rye-based products capture a significant share of Iowa distilled liquor production, there's an ever-rising appreciation for the wider-spectrum whiskeys, as different styles blend this distiller's craft from influences in close proximity - essentially, those inspired by neighboring states such as Iowa, stretching whiskey, local flavor further into prairie destinations.
The first recorded instance of Iowa distillation dates back to 1830s, when early settlers began to produce moonshine, fermented from the abundance of corn in the region. This practice would eventually result in the production of the distinctively flavored corn whiskey, Iowa's mainstay in the world of distilled liquor. Cedar Ridge Distillery, located in Swisher, Iowa, about 13 miles southwest of Cedar Rapids, is an excellent example of a mid-sized Iowa distillery, primarily focusing on corn-based whiskeys and bourbons.
One such whiskey is the Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon, an American Straight Bourbon made from a blend of Iowa corn, rye, and malted barley. Matured in oak barrels for two to three years, the resulting flavor profile combines sweet, corn-forward notes, along with hints of spicy rye and a subtle oak undertone. Similarly, the Mississippi River Distilling Company, situated in LeClaire, Iowa, near the Iowa-Illinois border, has gained recognition for their efforts in creating the Iowa-made Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey. Through collaborations with local farmers and distillers, these Iowa-based companies strive to maintain authenticity, quality, and sustainability in the distillation process.
Iowa's distillation industry operates under strict regulations that necessitate an amalgamation of traditional and modern techniques. Each distillery adheres to specific parameters set forth by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division, concerning aspects like fermentation time, proof limits, and barrel-aging procedures. To achieve uniformity and consistency in their product lines, Iowa distilleries often adopt innovative and cutting-edge methods that incorporate advanced distillation technologies.
Templeton Rye Whiskey, an acclaimed Iowa label with historical roots, contributes significantly to Iowa's tradition of crafting premium rye whiskey. Founded in the Prohibition era by the town's residents in Templeton, a small town in Carroll County, Iowa, Templeton Rye focuses on re-creating the elusive bootlegged Templeton recipe by selecting premium grains, mastering an old-fashioned distillation technique, and implementing aging procedures. Although modern-day distilleries adopt time-saving and efficient techniques, this tradition, now updated and modernized, showcases Iowa distilled liquor's dynamic past and present spirit.
Considering Iowa's unique blend of terroir and production methods, their distilled liquor serves as a niche gem in the whiskey world. By delving into the rich history and various styles that distinguish Iowa distilled liquor, travelers will discover an area ripe with opportunities for exploration, tastings, and insightful conversations about American whiskey-making. When traveling through Nebraska, an Iowa detour to taste exceptional spirits such as Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon and Templeton Rye Whiskey will enrich one's knowledge of the food and drink that define the Midwestern United States.
Iowa distilled liquor possesses an exclusive allure due to the people involved in their manufacturing and agricultural backbones, its unique grains, or combination of innovations and tradition. Instead of mirroring the influential East Coast whiskey scene, Iowa breweries carved their signature by capitalizing on existing local knowledge and the spirit of innovation fostered during the first centuries of America.
While corn and rye-based products capture a significant share of Iowa distilled liquor production, there's an ever-rising appreciation for the wider-spectrum whiskeys, as different styles blend this distiller's craft from influences in close proximity - essentially, those inspired by neighboring states such as Iowa, stretching whiskey, local flavor further into prairie destinations.
