New Riff Single Barrel OHLQ Pick "Third Riff"

The rise of the craft distilleries...

By Not Masters of Malt

March 8^th, 2021

FROM THE DISTILLER...

New Riff Distillery Notes:

New Riff Distilling’s core Bourbon expression is a genuinely high-rye, full bodied whiskey offering savory, spicy character, bottled at Barrel Proof without Chill Filtration. Featuring a mash bill of non-GMO grains at 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, it represents a new riff on Kentucky’s most hallowed whiskey traditions. Aged four years in 53-gallon toasted and charred new oak barrels, there are no shortcuts taken in our production. All New Riff whiskeys are made with the full sour mash Kentucky Regimen; all carry an age statement, and are always bottled without chill filtration.

New Riff Single Barrel OHLQ Pick "Third Riff"

BEHIND THE BOTTLE:

We are deep into the Ohio Liquor barrel picks and this week is no different. Today we get to sample a "just across the border" pick from a craft distiller making some waves around our neck of the woods. New Riff has been approaching things a little differently and their recent releases of their own distillate have been turning a few heads, but where does this one come in for us?

REVIEW:

Nose (7/10):

There is some really interesting caramel corn "funk" that comes through. I also get hints of toffee, yeasty bread, and some dark fruits. It is also not proof forward, so you can get deep in the glass and pull out just a bit of fresh cut grass and other "earthy" notes.

Palate (6/10):

On the front you get more of that buttered caramel popcorn with traditional oak and vanilla. It is a bit boring in comparison to the nose and drinks a little "flat". I would say a bit of a letdown that I couldn't pull out a bit more.

Finish (6/10):

You do get a long finish and oak, vanilla, and spice linger along with a bit of that earthy note I picked up on the nose. Also getting a bit of nuttiness that wasn't really present anywhere else. This may be the earthy note you get on the nose.

Price (7/10):

$49.99 from a local grocery store. It is nice that they keep it the same price as their standard Single Barrel offering. While it is a little younger than some other craft distillers offerings, it is right in line from a price perspective.

Aesthetics (5/5):

This is the opposite of a "traditional" bottle and I love everything about it. From the black synthetic cork, the choice of fonts and logo, and the small touches on the labels, this jumps off the shelf. If I was headed to a millennial birthday party, this is what I am grabbing off of the shelf.

Availability (3/5):

While this specific release is likely difficult to find at this point, New Riff has an excellent barrel selection program and their normal Single Barrel offering is easy to find on shelves in Ohio. If you are outside the Midwest then it may be a challenge to find any distribution channels.

Overall (34/50): Daily Drinker

Final Verdict:

To us, this is a decidedly middle-of-the-road bottle that does deserve to take a spot on your shelf or in your liquor cabinet. There is nothing really standout about our particular bottle, but given the age we are excited to see what can be offered out of New Riff in the next couple of years!