Frequently Asked Questions
Elevate your bourbon collection with New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 8-Year-Old, a bold and refined expression of Kentucky's whiskey tradition. This limited-release bourbon, bottled at 100 proof without chill filtration, boasts a high-rye mashbill (65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley), creating a savory-spicy profile layered with depth. Aged for eight full years in charred oak barrels, it delivers lush notes of dark berries, cedar plank, rich caramel, and a touch of spearmint, balanced by the sweetness of vanilla and cream. Its robust finish of seasoned oak and buttery richness ensures a lasting impression. Crafted in New Riff's independent distillery, this whiskey honors time-tested methods while charting an innovative course, offering a sip that's as timeless as it is forward-looking.
Process & Profile
The New Riff 8-Year-Old Bourbon is a testament to patience and precision. Crafted using a high-rye mash bill (65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley), this bourbon undergoes a full sour mash Kentucky regimen. Aged for eight years in 53-gallon new toasted and charred oak barrels, it reflects the depth of flavor only achievable through time. Its unfiltered, Bottled-in-Bond production process guarantees a purity and consistency in every batch while meeting the highest standards of quality. At 100 proof, this bourbon embodies the rich, savory-spicy qualities of a high-rye whiskey but showcases evolved maturity compared to its younger expressions.Tasting Notes
New Riff Bourbon 8-Year-Old offers an elevated sensory experience:- Appearance: Deep amber and copper hues, signifying its extended barrel aging.
- Nose: Beautifully complex, with prominent notes of cherries, fresh spearmint leaves, and subtle hints of cedar.
- Palate: Layers of dark berries, caramel, vanilla custard, and savory rye spices emerge, balanced by a touch of charred oak and cedar plank.
- Finish: Long and satisfying, with rich tannic oak harmonizing with sweet, creamy butter for a well-rounded close.
What Makes It Special
What sets New Riff 8-Year-Old Bourbon apart is its combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern refinement. As the first older-aged release from New Riff, this bourbon reflects their commitment to innovating Kentucky whiskey traditions. Its longer aging process results in deeper, more structured flavors, enhanced by their meticulous sour mash techniques and dedication to non-chill filtration. The result is a bourbon that masterfully combines rye-driven spice with a smooth, buttery finish—a true celebration of Kentucky whiskey artistry.How to Enjoy
New Riff 8-Year-Old Bourbon is versatile, perfect for both casual sipping and exquisite pairings:- Neat: Appreciate its sophisticated profile and deep flavors in their purest form.
- On the Rocks: Add a few ice cubes to subtly mellow the rye spice and amplify its creamy undertones.
- Cocktails: Elevate classic whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan with its bold and mature character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the New Riff 8 Year Old Bourbon unique compared to other bourbons?
The New Riff 8 Year Old Bourbon is a high-rye, full-bodied whiskey aged a minimum of eight years, with flavors more developed and deeper than standard bourbons. It is bottled without chill filtration at 100 proof and includes a mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley. This aging enhances its oaky, savory-spicy character while maintaining a striking freshness uncommon in older bourbons.
What are the tasting notes for this bourbon?
The 8 Year Old Bourbon offers a deep amber, copper appearance. On the nose, it presents notes of cherries, red fruits, and fresh spearmint leaves. The palate features dark berries, cedar plank, and savory rye spice, while the finish combines rich tannic oak with a sweet cream butteriness.
Why isn't this bourbon labeled as Bottled-in-Bond?
While it meets most Bottled-in-Bond standards, including being 100 proof, New Riff opted to forgo the designation to allow blending of barrels from different distilling seasons. This ensures a consistent flavor profile despite the limited production from the distillery's early years.
How does the aging process affect this bourbon?
Aging in new charred oak barrels for over eight years gives this bourbon deeper, richer flavors without becoming overly tannic or woody. The spirit retains a remarkable freshness, suggesting the potential for further aging.
Is this bourbon suitable for long-term aging?
Yes, the freshness observed at eight years indicates that this bourbon could age further while continuing to develop its flavor complexity. New Riff has designed its aging process to ensure longevity and quality in its whiskeys.
What is the significance of the high-rye mash bill?
The mash bill of 30% rye gives this bourbon its signature savory-spicy profile, complementing the sweetness from the corn and adding complexity to its flavor.
How does New Riff source water for distillation?
New Riff uses mineral-rich water from an ancient aquifer located 100 feet beneath the distillery. This high-quality water enhances the distillation process and contributes to the bourbon's unique flavor profile.
What is the price and availability of New Riff 8 Year Old Bourbon?
The suggested retail price is $67.99. It is available for purchase at the distillery, online, and through New Riff's national distribution network.
How is this bourbon best enjoyed?
Enjoy this bourbon neat to fully appreciate its complex profile, or with a few drops of water to open up the flavors. The depth and balance of its flavor make it suitable for sipping and pairing with rich foods.
Does New Riff plan to release more aged bourbons?
Yes, New Riff intends to expand its lineup with more aged expressions in the future, building on the success of its 8 Year Old Bourbon while preserving stocks for extended aging.
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