New Riff whiskies

History

The distillery was founded by the owner of a well-known local chain of drinks shops, who wanted to make a whiskey of his own in Kentucky without shortcuts. While its spirit matured, he decided not to sell whiskey bought from other houses, something common among new distilleries, and waited until he had his own whiskey of sufficient age. Its first bourbons and ryes came out at the end of the 2010s and were very well received. The house also works with malted rye and heritage grain varieties.

House style

New Riff’s whiskeys are intense and spicy. Its bourbon has plenty of rye, with caramel, pepper, fruit and oak, and its rye is almost all rye, with a malted share, very spicy and herbal. Bottled at 50% ABV and without chill filtration, they have good body and texture. The higher-strength versions benefit from a few drops of water or an ice cube, which open up the sweetness and soften the alcohol. They are whiskeys for those looking for bourbon and rye with character, without lowering the strength.

Where to start

If you prefer bourbon, start with New Riff Bourbon Bottled in Bond. If you like spicy ryes, try New Riff Rye. Compare them with other Kentucky bottled-in-bond whiskeys, such as Old Forester 1897 or Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, to see differences in style at the same strength. Both are enjoyed neat, with a few drops of water or in classic cocktails.

• New Riff Bourbon Bottled in BondBourbon · 50% ABV
• New Riff Rye Bottled in BondRye · 50% ABV