Iowa distillery to expand its whiskey production

SWISHER, Iowa (AP) — The first craft distillery in Iowa since Prohibition is moving forward with a $1.1 million expansion to meet growing demand for its whiskey products.

Cedar Ridge Vineyard in rural Johnson County said Friday the expansion will add production space and allow the company to expand its “farm to bottle” grain processing operation.

In a news release, master distiller and owner Jeff Quint says the company is entering new markets and the expansion will ease constraints on its production and warehousing.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority board on Friday approved limited incentives for the expansion, saying that one job will qualify for tax benefits under a high-quality jobs program.

Cedar Ridge opened in 2005 and is known for its spirits, including bourbon whiskeys that have won national praise.