Name: New Riff Single Barrel Rye
Color: Copper
Nose: Rye, wood, leather
Taste: Rye, dark fruits, caramel, light wood
The Christmas countdown has begun! Do you have all your bottles ready!?!
New Riff Bourbon Single Barrel Rye is produced by the New Riff Distillery which is located in Newport, KY on the Ohio River adjacent to Cincinnati. New Riff was founded by Ken Lewis who used to own The Party Source next door in the same plaza. Ever year I make my annual trip to Northern Kentucky and New Riff is my first stop. OKBB is second, Jeff Ruby’s third, and Graeter’s (if am still standing) is fourth. The next day I go to Skyline Chili with regrets on my previous day’s decisions. It’s been pretty much a standard operating procedure for over 10 years.
The Single Barrel Rye Barrel #10724 was distilled in May 2018 and bottled in August 2022 at 54.2% abv. This rye has a strong nose and hot taste on the lips, but surprisingly does not have a burn on the finish when drank neat. When water is added it opens up nicely, but I believe this rye is best used in a cocktail. I find high proof ryes too strong and spicy neat. Served on the rocks it still is too much for me. I like my rye in my cocktails.
Many thanks to St. Matthew, one of my oldest friends for bring me this bottle on his last trip up to NYC. Also, at the end of this month and I am doing “Opinions Vary: Old Fashioned v. Manhattan” and New Riff Single Barrel Rye will be the basis for the cocktails.
Priced around $65 and worth the money if you like a high proof Rye and so far, New Riff is yet to disappoint!
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
