New Riff Single Malt Whiskey Review
New Riff Single Malt Whiskey marks an exciting chapter in American single malt spirits, showing how innovation meets tradition at the Kentucky distillery. In my first sip, I was struck by how deftly the whiskey blends depth, texture, and bold character. It’s robust yet expressive — worthy of attention from both seasoned malt drinkers and curious explorers alike.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | New Riff Single Malt Whiskey (2025 Edition) |
| Brand | New Riff |
| Company | New Riff Distilling |
| Category | American Single Malt Whiskey |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Northern Kentucky |
| Distillery | New Riff Distilling |
| Age | Aged at least 7 years (with lots up to 10 years) |
| Style | Kentucky Single Malt (Sour Mash Influence) |
| Alcohol | 115.2 proof (approx. 57.6% ABV) |
| Launch Date | May 2, 2025 |
| Availability | Select U.S. retail markets, distillery gift shop & online shipping |
| Mashbills | Maris Otter, Barleywine-style malt & Scottish peated barley |
| Finishing | Multiple cask types including Oloroso Sherry, Madeira & red wine casks |
Prices: Price can vary significantly due to taxes, import duties, retailer markups, and currency fluctuations.
| Country/Region | Price (70/75 cl) |
|---|---|
| USA (MSRP) | Around $69.99 per 750 ml |
Testing Notes
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Deep amber with rich oak hues, reflecting extensive cask influence |
| Aroma | Broad oak presence, layers of dark fruit, cacao nibs, citrus peel, and gentle smoke |
| Flavours | Oak-forward palate with red/dark fruit, cocoa powder, grassy malt and warm smoke |
| Texture | Chewy, big Kentucky body — savory and satisfying |
| Finish | Zesty, rich finish with fruity highlights and lingering smoky oak |
Experts’ View:
Industry voices have been clear: New Riff’s Single Malt isn’t just another release. It’s widely regarded as a thoughtful experiment in American single malt, blending classic barley character with a bold Kentucky edge. Craft spirits specialists highlight the multi-cask aging and barley variety mashbill as key drivers of complexity. One craft spirits observer noted that this release “places New Riff firmly among ambitious American single malt makers,” — and I couldn’t agree more after tasting.
FAQs
1. What makes New Riff Single Malt different from Scotch whisky?
Unlike traditional Scotch, this American single malt uses Kentucky’s sour mash tradition and an innovative mix of mashbills with unique cask finishes.
2. Should I add water to this whiskey?
A small splash of water opens the whiskey, unlocking juicier fruit notes and softening oak intensity for a more expressive palate.
3. How does pricing compare to other American single malts?
At around $70, this release sits in the approachable range, especially given its age and cask complexity, making it a competitive entry in the growing American single malt category.
