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Nice Cold Weather Sipper

 
Review by Jason Blanchard |
Updated:

87 Highly Rated Bourbon General Review of New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Batch 16-3474

This is the first bottle I’ve tried of New Riff. Didn’t know much about it, as I got this bottle in a raffle. The nose is nice, a buttery sweetness with hints of spice. Upon tasting, it’s less sweet than I thought it would be (based on the nose) and very spicy…which made me think of a rye as opposed to a bourbon. I looked up the mash bill and it is high rye, 30%. The finish is long, peppery, and really stays with you. I’m enjoying it, but it’s probably a better cold-weather bourbon. I’ll be saving this for a chilly fall evening. It will be perfect.

New Riff Bourbon

Rating: 87

Nose
86
Palate
87
Finish
90
Uniqueness
86
Value
81

Ratings breakdown based on a 100 point scale.

  • 90-100 Exceptional
  • 80-89 Very Good
  • 70-79 Average
  • 60-69 Below Average
  • 50-60 Drain Pour

Detailed Tasting Notes

Nose Review - Rating: 86

The nose is nice, a buttery sweetness, maple syrup, with hints of spice.

Palate Review - Rating: 87

Upon tasting, it’s less sweet that I thought it would be (based on the nose) and very spicy…which made me think of a rye as opposed to a bourbon. I looked up the mashbill and it is high rye, 30%. That explains the short sweet notes and the quick transition to pepper, and eventually baking spice/cinnamon.

Finish Review - Rating: 90

The finish is long, peppery, and really stays with you. It give a nice Kentucky hug deep into the chest. I’m enjoying it, but it’s probably a better cold weather bourbon. I’ll be saving this for a chilly fall evening. It will be perfect.

Uniqueness Review - Rating: 86

Unique as it relates to bourbon in that it takes like a rye. Not overly complex though.

Value Review - Rating: 81

It’s a bit pricey for the age but is worth trying in the $60 range.

Author: Jason Blanchard
Bourbon drinking lawyer from Augusta, GA.

Comments

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Card image cap Mark Pringle - Thanks, great review.

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