Cedar Ridge Distillery Announces The Whiskey Lounge in Downtown Des Moines Iowa

Iowa’s First & Oldest Distillery to Offer Whiskey, Cocktails, Dining and Hospitality Experiences in the Heart of Iowa in 2027

Cedar Ridge Distillery, Iowa’s first and oldest distillery, today announced plans to open The Whiskey Lounge in downtown Des Moines in April 2027. Located at 1312 Locust Street, Cedar Ridge Des Moines will bring the company’s award-winning spirits and hospitality experience to the heart of Iowa’s capital city.

The new location will offer a full-service bar and dining room, dedicated whiskey experiences, retail, private events, and a weekend-only speakeasy, expanding Cedar Ridge’s hospitality presence beyond its distillery in Swisher, Iowa.

According to Jamie Siefken, President and General Manager of the Cedar Ridge Distillery, “Everything about Cedar Ridge starts in Iowa: the corn, the farmers we partner with, and the people who’ve supported us since day one. Bringing our experience to the heart of Des Moines is our way of giving back to the state that built us. This expansion reflects how far we've come, but our focus hasn’t changed. We want to keep making whiskey Iowa is proud of and create spaces people want to come back to, time and time again.”  

Cedar Ridge Des Moines will deliver an approachable Midwestern experience anchored by an expansive bar serving craft cocktails and exclusive distillery pours. Driven by an on-site smoker, the kitchen will focus on premium smoked meats, shareable plates, and artisanal sandwiches. Guests will also find a cozy ‘living room’ lounge perfect for happy hours and a dedicated educational space for whiskey experiences. To bring the project to life, Cedar Ridge partnered with local design and architecture firm, Slingshot, to reimagine the space in a way that reflects the distillery’s Iowa roots and craft heritage. "We approached this adaptive reuse project as a conversation between the building's history and Cedar Ridge's craft. Original brick, steel, and mosaic tile stay front and center, and warm finishes, barrels, and the still bring the Cedar Ridge brand to life,” noted Taylor Hays, Director at Slingshot. “The result is an industrial space with a refined feel that is memorable enough to make people want to linger and return.”   Other partners on the project include Hurd Real Estate with CBRE serving as real estate consultant. The venue will accommodate up to 200 guests. It also features a 40-seat private dining room with a glass-wall enclosure for events and gatherings, and a separate educational space for whiskey-focused experiences. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the space will transform into an intimate 40-seat speakeasy. It will also feature dedicated retail space to showcase different expressions and branded merchandise, giving guests a chance to experience the Iowa distillery without leaving Des Moines.  As Iowa’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition, Cedar Ridge has built its reputation producing spirits rooted in Iowa agriculture and creating experiences that connect guests with the craft behind them. The company produces bourbon, American single malt whiskey and other spirits at its Swisher distillery, where visitors can also enjoy its restaurant, tasting room and event spaces.

 "After over a decade here, the people are what keep me inspired; our staff and guests make Cedar Ridge feel like family. Whether our guests are celebrating the end of a long day or one of the biggest moments of their lives, we're dedicated to delivering top-notch Midwestern hospitality. We can't wait to bring Des Moines into our space and grow this community,” added Ashton Johnson, Director of Hospitality, Cedar Ridge Distillery.

Beginning in April 2027, the Cedar Ridge Des Moines Whiskey Lounge will be open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The speakeasy will be open Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., with brunch served Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.