New Riff Balboa Rye

A little background

Launched December of 2019, New Riff’s Balboa Rye was initially available to “Club Members” only. Balboa rye is a variety of rye grain that dates back to the 1940, a time when this type of rye was commonly used to make whiskey. According to New Riff, this grain was exclusively grown for them by the Fogg Family Farm in Indiana. New Riff’s Balboa Rye is Bottled in Bond, indicating it’s aged at least 4-years and bottled at 100 proof. The MSRP for this whiskey is $50.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn glass)

Color

Dark Copper/Rust

Nose

The nose is pleasant with hints of red fruit, rye spice, caramel and toffee. This is one of those whiskies you don’t want to stop nosing!

Palate

Rye spice initially coats the mouth followed by fruity notes, and creamy orange citrus flavors. The mouthfeel is very enjoyable with just the right amount of viscosity.

Finish

The finish is somewhere between medium and long with lots of rye spice, clove, and nutmeg. Very enjoyable! 

In closing

New Riff has done it again. They’ve managed to release yet another whiskey that’s more than deserving of two thumbs up. Balboa Rye is a very well balanced 95% rye whiskey that has a nose, palate, and finish that are equally enjoyable. Although the rye spice is very noticable on this whiskey, there are accompanying clove and nutmeg notes that really add to it. I think this is a fantastic addition to the New Riff portfolio and see this being the perfect bottle to turn quite a few folks into rye whiskey drinkers that previously weren’t into rye whiskey!