Description
New Riff distills this single barrel rye in Newport, Kentucky. The mash is 95% rye and 5% malted rye, so it is all rye. Each barrel is new 53-gallon oak, toasted and then charred, and the rye rests there for at least four years.
Every bottle comes from one barrel. It goes into the bottle at barrel proof, with no chill filtration. That means no two barrels taste quite the same, and the proof shifts a little too. You will see a deep amber color in the glass.
On the nose, sweet nougat meets rye spice like black pepper, clove, grains of paradise and pink peppercorn. The palate feels broad. Sweet, spicy and savory notes build into floral rose and red fruit. The finish is long and detailed, and the rye spice stays with you.
It has a strong record with judges. It won Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and at the 2024 New Orleans Spirits Competition. It also took Gold in San Francisco in 2022.
Take your time with this . Start with a neat pour, and then add just a drop or two of water to see it change. It also makes a bold Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Dark chocolate, grilled meats and aged cheese all suit it.
