Description
New Riff Bottled in Bond Rye comes from New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky. It follows the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. That law asks for one distiller, one season, four years in bond and 100 proof. You get a whiskey with nothing to hide.
The mash bill is 95% rye and 5% malted rye, so every grain is rye. It ferments as a sour mash in open-top tanks. Then it is distilled twice in copper. It ages at least four years in toasted and charred new oak. It is bottled without chill filtration.
The nose is spicy and detailed, with mint, black pepper and vanilla. Orange and oak sit just behind. Your first sip brings cinnamon, vanilla and sweet toffee. Rich rye spice, caramel and toasted oak then build a bold mouthfeel. The finish fades slowly, with vanilla buttercream, brown sugar and a grassy, mineral edge.
Judges like it too. It won Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It took Gold again at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition. Whisky Advocate gave it 92 points and placed it in its Top 20 of 2019.
Try it neat first, then add a few drops of water. It also makes a firm, spicy Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Grilled meats, aged cheese and dark chocolate all pair well.
If you are building a serious shelf, this rye earns its spot. It is honest, sturdy and easy to come back to.
