New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon pairs butterscotch and fresh oak aromas with vanilla and rye spice. A full mouthfeel leads into a sweeter vanilla note, followed by clove, cinnamon, mint and dark berry. The producer describes a long, rye-led finish with red and black fruit, white pepper and clove. It offers a useful starting point for drinkers exploring bourbons with a substantial rye component.

Try it neat to follow the change from butterscotch to spice, then compare a second small pour with a few drops of water. In an Old Fashioned, begin with modest sugar and adjust to taste so the rye character has room alongside the bitters.

How it’s made: New Riff produces this Kentucky bourbon from 65% corn, 30% rye and 5% malted barley using a sour-mash process. It matures for at least four years in toasted and charred new oak barrels, then is bottled without chill filtration at 100 proof, or 50% ABV.