New Riff Single Barrel Shelf Review

Shelf Review

Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.

Founded in 2014 in Newport, Kentucky, New Riff distillery came straight out of the gate swinging for the fences. The high-quality, non-sourced products that the team at New Riff has brought to shelves has put the bourbon world on notice. From their core of bottled-in-bond rye and bourbons to their extensive single barrel programs, New Riff isn’t shy about putting a lot of varied products on shelves. They also haven’t been afraid to experiment with special mashbills which have led to their Balboa Rye, Malster, Malted Rye, and other limited releases.

But even with all the fantastic publicity and its growing chorus of fans, I had never had the chance to try New Riff. So when this Single Barrel hit the shelves of K&L in May, I figured this was my best chance to get my chance at a hand-picked barrel of New Riff’s finest 4 year offerings. This particular barrel (barrel 16-3467) clocked in at 103.9 proof and as with all New Riff bottles, this is non-chill filtered.

Age: 4 Years

ABV: 51.95%

Cask: Virgin Charred Oak

MSRP: $50

Distillery Name: New Riff

Review Date: 8/2/21

 Nose: Strong notes of sawdust, antique wood, and sweet confectionaries. Reminds me of a brand new leather baseball glove. As it settles in the glass, it moves to wood varnish and fruity dark chocolate.

 Palate: Initial notes of strong dark cherry cordial, tart red fruits, and light dessert notes. Frosted flakes, and caramel chews. Front of the palate is bright, chocolates and cherry while the back half is more spice, wood and barrel char. Mouthfeel is good, with a medium body and lovely balance between the oak and the youthful grains.

Finish: Much more rye spice, with almost none of the sweetness found on the palate. Long and chewy, there’s a touch of bitterness on the end.  

Score: 91 

Would I buy again? If this 4-year product from New Riff is any indication of the direction their older stock will go, I am simply ecstatic to have another powerhouse producer in Kentucky. As I explored this bottle, I couldn’t stop going back for more. Sure, there was a bit of youthful fire, but it was well-balanced with the chocolate cherry and rye spice notes. Be aware that since these are all single barrels, your mileage may vary. But if you can find a bottle of this for under $50, it well worth the jump. Take the chance and thank me later. Sometimes age is just a number.