New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon at 111 proof represents what happens when a distillery gets serious about high-rye whiskey. This single barrel expression uses New Riff’s signature mashbill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, aged at least 4 years and bottled at cask strength. Current pricing sits around $60-80 depending on the barrel and retailer.
Quick Take
| Profile: Sweet toffee opening that transitions to earthy, grassy rye character |
| Proof Management: Smooth and cool initially with gentle warmth, no harsh burn |
| Standout Feature: High rye content that enhances rather than overpowers |
| Evolution: Clear progression from sweet corn to spicy rye across the palate |
| Best For: High-rye bourbon enthusiasts and proof point explorers |
| Watch Out: Not for those seeking fruit-forward or heavily oaked profiles |
A Facebook Reminder Worth Heeding
Sometimes the best whiskey advice comes from unexpected places. A Facebook post featuring my friend Charlie’s evening pour of New Riff Single Barrel sent me digging through the back of my shelf for a bottle I’d left sit a while. First impressions aren’t always lasting impressions, especially with whiskey. What struck me as too hot and aggressive the first time I tried it transformed into something altogether different on a second tasting. And so I figured I’d give this bottle from barrel #17750 a third go around.
New Riff’s High-Rye Philosophy
New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky, has built their reputation on a commitment to high-rye mashbills and traditional production methods. Their single barrel bourbon uses 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley – a significantly higher rye content than most Kentucky bourbons. The distillery sources water from a limestone-fed aquifer, employs open-top fermentation, and ages their whiskey in 53-gallon new charred American oak barrels for a minimum of four years. Each single barrel is bottled non-chill filtered at cask strength, meaning every barrel tells its own story.
Appearance and Color
This pour shows a rich amber color that catches the light nicely in the glass. The legs form slowly and deliberately, coating the glass with medium viscosity that suggests good body without being overly thick. It’s the kind of color that promises substance – not too light to suggest youth, not so dark as to hint at over-oaking.
Nose
The nose opens with classic bourbon sweetness – brown sugar and caramel leading the charge, backed by vanilla that feels rich rather than artificial. There’s cocoa powder in there too, adding a subtle chocolate note that rounds out the sweet profile. At 111 proof, you might expect some alcohol heat, but it’s remarkably approachable on the nose. The high rye content doesn’t dominate here; instead, it provides a subtle spicy backdrop that keeps things interesting.
Tasting Notes
The first sip delivers exactly what the nose promised – sweetness jumps out immediately with a toffee-like quality that showcases the corn’s contribution to the mashbill. It’s smooth and cool at first contact, with a silky mouthfeel that avoids any syrupy heaviness. Then comes the evolution that makes this whiskey special: the rye and high proof work together to create a gentle warming sensation that spreads across the tongue.
What’s remarkable is how clearly you can taste the progression from sweet to earthy. The corn does its thing upfront with that toffee sweetness, then the rye steps in with grassy, earthy notes that add complexity without overwhelming the palate. The high rye content stands out but never becomes overbearing – it’s assertive without being aggressive. This tastes like what a good high-rye bourbon should taste like: balanced, complex, and true to its mashbill.
I’m not picking out a laundry list of individual tasting notes here, and that’s actually a strength. Sometimes whiskey tries to be too many things at once. This one knows what it is: sweet toffee transitioning to earthy rye character, with the grain bill clearly expressing itself across the palate. No significant fruit notes, minimal woody or nutty characteristics – just clean, honest bourbon flavors.
Finish
The finish stretches to medium length and goes down remarkably smoothly for 111 proof. There’s a gentle warmth that lingers on the tongue – the kind that reminds you this is cask strength without punishing you for it. No burn in the throat or chest as it goes down, which speaks to both the distillation quality and the barrel’s influence. There’s a hint of bitterness in the finish that could be oak or the rye revealing itself one final time, adding just enough edge to keep things interesting.
Who Should Buy This
This bottle is perfect for high-rye bourbon enthusiasts who want to experience how 30% rye can enhance rather than dominate a whiskey. If you enjoy the spicy, earthy character that rye brings to bourbon but don’t want it to overpower the corn’s sweetness, this hits the sweet spot. It’s also excellent for anyone curious about cask strength expressions but intimidated by proof – this shows how well-made high-proof whiskey can drink smoothly.
However, if your preference runs toward fruit-forward bourbons or heavily oaked expressions, this might not be your speed. It’s also not the best choice for those who prefer sweeter, dessert-like bourbons as their daily drinkers, though it makes an excellent showcasing whiskey for guests.
Where to Buy
New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon is available directly from the distillery in Newport, Kentucky, and through select retailers nationwide. Pricing typically ranges from $60-80 per bottle, depending on the specific barrel and retailer markup. You can find it at many specialty liquor stores, particularly in Kentucky, Ohio, and surrounding states where New Riff has strong distribution. Some barrels are also available through online retailers, though availability varies since each barrel is unique. Check New Riff’s website for their distillery store and authorized retailer listings.
FAQ
What makes New Riff’s mashbill different?
New Riff uses a high-rye mashbill with 30% rye, significantly higher than most Kentucky bourbons which typically use 8-15% rye. This creates more spice and complexity while still maintaining bourbon’s characteristic sweetness from the 65% corn.
What does cask strength mean?
Cask strength means the whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel without adding water to reduce the proof. This preserves maximum flavor intensity and allows each barrel’s unique character to shine through, though it also means proof varies by barrel.
How much does New Riff Single Barrel cost?
Prices typically range from $60-80 per bottle, depending on the specific barrel selection and retailer. Single barrel expressions often carry a premium over standard releases due to their unique nature.
Should beginners try high-proof bourbon?
While 111 proof might seem intimidating, this particular whiskey drinks smoothly for its proof point. Beginners should start with small sips and consider adding a few drops of water to open up the flavors while reducing the heat.
How should I store opened bourbon?
Store bourbon upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Unlike wine, bourbon doesn’t continue aging once bottled and can last for years when properly stored.
Final Verdict
New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon proves that high rye content and high proof don’t have to mean harsh drinking. This bottle showcases excellent balance between sweet corn character and spicy rye complexity, with a silky mouthfeel and smooth finish that belies its 111 proof. While it might not be an everyday sipper for those who prefer sweeter profiles, it’s an excellent example of what modern American whiskey can achieve with traditional methods and quality ingredients. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Sometimes a whiskey needs time – either in your glass or in your memory – to reveal its true character. This New Riff single barrel reminded me why second impressions can be just as important as first ones, and why good high-rye bourbon deserves a place in any serious whiskey collection.
