A Day’s End Dram

There's a profound satisfaction that settles in after a truly hard day's work. It's more than just physical exhaustion; it's a deep sense of accomplishment, that feeling of a day well-spent is a reward in itself.

This principle resonates deeply with the values at Raeco Builders. Every project, from groundbreaking to final touches, is approached with the understanding that the ultimate satisfaction lies in a job done right. The Raeco team embodies the spirit of putting in a hard day's work – meticulous planning, diligent execution, and unwavering commitment to quality. They understand that the foundation of a successful project is built on dedication and tireless effort.

For the Raeco team, the "day's end" isn't just the clock striking five; it's the culmination of their collective hard work manifesting in tangible results. It's the progress made on a new commercial space, the successful completion of a complex industrial facility, or the realization of a client's vision. This dedication stems from a belief that the structures they build are more than just buildings; they are spaces where businesses thrive, communities gather, and futures are shaped.

As the day's demands fade, there's a quiet ritual in pouring a dram of whiskey. Raeco Builders have selected a private barrel of Ruby Port Cask Rye Whiskey from Cedar Ridge for you to enjoy. The rich, amber liquid, kissed by the sweetness of port-seasoned oak, offers a sensory escape. The spicy rye notes intertwine beautifully with the dark fruit and subtle sweetness imparted by the cask, creating a complex yet comforting flavor profile.

A day’s end is a moment to reflect, unwind, and savor the day's accomplishments. Each sip is a gentle reward, a warm embrace that signals the well-deserved transition from effort to ease, a perfect punctuation mark on a productive day.

 

Portugal Ruby Port Cask finished Rye whiskey

8 year old finished Rye Whiskey

Time & tradition meet in this 8-year-old Straight Rye Whiskey, elevated by a two-year finish in Ruby Port casks from Portugal. This unique maturation imparts a viscous texture, setting the stage for a complex flavor narrative.

Discover notes of butterscotch, bright raspberry marmalade, rich dark cherry, and sweet vanilla bean, perfectly balanced by the rye's peppery zest and a hint of honey.

Bottled at 112.5 proof to showcase the remarkable influence of its port cask finish.

Portugal Ruby Port Cask

The history of Portugal's Ruby Port casks is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Port wine. Starting in the late 17th century, British merchants began fortifying Portuguese wines with brandy to ensure they survived long sea voyages. This fortification process, which halted fermentation, created the sweet, robust style we know today.

Unlike Tawny Port, which ages oxidatively in smaller barrels, Ruby Port is crafted to preserve its vibrant color and fresh fruit flavors. This is achieved by aging the wine in massive oak or chestnut balseiros (large vats) or tonéis. These huge casks minimize oxygen exposure, preventing the wine from browning and losing its youthful character. Historically, these vessels transported the wine down the Douro River to cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, where the cool coastal climate facilitated gentle maturation, solidifying the cask's crucial role in shaping Ruby Port's enduring legacy.


Tasting Notes

Nose – Opening with hints of butterscotch and toffee, with raspberry jam and chocolate-covered raisins.

Palate – Full bodied mouthfeel, chocolate-covered raisins, cocoa, cinnamon, and light barrel spice. – Dried dates, Cherry Pie ala mode, Spiced Jam, and fig.

Finish – Long finish with notes of cinnamon, cocoa powder, stewed berries, peppery spice and honey.


Food Pairings

Dark Chocolate, Dried Figs & Dates, Salted Caramel Truffles, Aged Gouda, Candied Pecans or Walnuts, Smoked Meats, Maple-Glazed Bacon.


Cocktail Recipe

Dakota Sunset Old Fashioned

~3 Barspoons of raspberry preserves

~4 Dashes of cocktail bitters

~2.5 oz of Port Finished Rye Whiskey

Stir and mix together preserves, bitters and whiskey. In a separate glass add a block of ice. Pour whiskey, bitters and preserves over ice. Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice, cinnamon stick, and star anise.


Mashbill Whiskey Recipe

85% – Toasted Rye

12% - Corn

3% - Toasted Malted Barley

Cedar Ridge Rye Whiskey is crafted from a combination of Malted and Toasted Rye as well as fermented off-grain making it a softer and more approachable whiskey. During the aging process, the Midwest’s varying weather subjects the barrels to greater expansion and contraction, providing rich aromas and flavors.


Cedar Ridge barrel- PCR-2023-9

Age: 8 years

Initial Cask: New Oak, Char #3 barrel from ISC. (Filled in 2017)

Secondary Cask: Portugal Ruby Port (Transferred in 2023)

Cask entry proof: 120

Bottling proof: 112.5 (Bottled May 2025)

This ruby port cask was acquired from a winery in Portugal.


Cedar Ridge Distillery history

The Quint family has farmed and distilled spirits for generations. In 2005, Jeff Quint founded Cedar Ridge because he believed it was time for Iowa–the number one corn-producing state in the U.S.–to share its homegrown Bourbon Whiskey with the world. Cedar Ridge was the first licensed distillery in Iowa since Prohibition.

After releasing its first batch of whiskey in 2010, Cedar Ridge Distillery quickly became a nationally recognized leader in craft spirits, winning multiple awards such as American Distilling Institute’s “2017 Distiller of the Year” or “Best American Craft Whiskey” at the 2016 New York World Spirits Competition.