New Riff Single Barrel Rye

A little background

Launched in the Spring of 2019, New Riff’s Single Barrel Rye was initially available to “Club Members” only. All of the rye whiskey available in the first release, which was around 12 barrels, was distilled and barreled in 2015 and aged at least four years.  It’s a non-chill filtered, 100% rye whiskey that’s bottled at barrel proof. This review was based on a 111.6 Proof sample from Barrel No. 15-3064. Retail price for a bottle of the New Riff Single Barrel Rye is $55.99.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn.)

Color

Light rust/copper

Nose

Vanilla wafers, candied orange marmalade, lemon peel, green grass.

Palate

Loads of spice, cinnamon red hots, orange jelly beans, lime, and citrus.

Finish

Slight hints of coconut, vanilla, and butterscotch. Interesting waves of smoke and lime linger, along with a touch of licorice.

In closing

After being so amazed with New Riff’s Bottled in Bond Rye, we were exceptionally excited to give the new Single Barrel/Barrel Proof variant a try! Our overall opinion of Barrel No. 15-3064 was extremely positive. It’s a well balanced rye whiskey that’s packed full of unique flavors, proving it spent sufficient time in the barrel. Despite being 111.6 proof, alcohol burn wasn’t an issue on either the nose or the palate. Our only concern is the availability of these Single Barrel offerings and the variation from barrel-to-barrel. Is the standard “off the shelf” Bottled in Bond rye whiskey from New Riff a better option? Yes and no. The Bottled in Bond version wins on price, availability and consistency, but lacks heavily on the uniqueness.