New Riff Distilling has brought back one of its most celebrated whiskeys, reintroducing Balboa Rye to eager fans and whiskey enthusiasts. The Newport, Kentucky-based distillery announced the return of this specialty spirit that first captured attention back in 2019 and has since become a cornerstone of the company's work with historical grain varieties.
The whiskey stands out for its use of Balboa rye, a grain that saw widespread use during the 1940s before largely disappearing from modern production. Master Distiller Brian Sprance highlighted the significance of this particular expression in the distillery's portfolio.
"Balboa Rye was the starting point of our exploration into heirloom grains, and it remains one of the most meaningful whiskies we make," Sprance said in a news release. "With this release, you can really taste the difference between heirloom rye and our flagship rye, from texture to flavor to overall character."
The distillery has taken this vintage grain and applied contemporary distilling methods to create something that bridges past and present. Each release represents an evolution of the expression, with the historic grain showing new dimensions as the distillery refines its approach. What started as an experimental project has grown into a regular offering that showcases both respect for tradition and willingness to innovate.
The technical specifications reveal a commitment to classic whiskey-making standards. Balboa Rye follows the bottled-in-bond designation, meaning it meets strict federal requirements including being distilled at a single distillery during a single season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. The distillery opts not to chill filter the whiskey, a choice that preserves more of the grain's natural character and oils.
The mashbill consists of 95% heirloom Balboa rye and 5% malted rye. This high rye content creates a bold flavor profile that whiskey drinkers have come to expect from the grain, while the small percentage of malted rye contributes enzymatic activity necessary for fermentation and adds subtle complexity.
On the nose, drinkers encounter red fruity notes alongside clove, followed by layers of black and white pepper. The aromatic profile suggests a spicier character than many bourbon drinkers might be accustomed to, reflecting the assertive nature of rye grain compared to corn-based whiskeys.
The recognition this whiskey has received from industry experts and competitions validates the distillery's decision to continue working with this particular grain. Throughout 2025, Balboa Rye accumulated an impressive collection of honors. Whisky Advocate placed it fourth on their annual Top 20 list, a significant achievement given the publication's influence in the whiskey world and the thousands of releases competing for recognition each year.
The New Orleans Spirits Competition awarded it Best Rye Whiskey in the 4-5 year age category and presented it with a gold medal. The fall Barleycorn Awards went further, bestowing a double gold medal on the expression. These accolades from different competitions using varied judging criteria suggest consistent quality and broad appeal rather than a narrow niche product.
"We are incredibly proud that Balboa Rye continues to be embraced by both our fans and industry experts, and that it helps celebrate the range of styles and expressions rye grain is capable of," Sprance said.
The master distiller's comments point to a larger mission beyond simply selling bottles. By working with heirloom grains like Balboa rye, the distillery explores the diversity possible within rye whiskey as a category. Many consumers think of rye as a single flavor profile, but different rye varieties can produce distinctly different spirits, much like wine grapes or hop varieties in beer.
This educational aspect appeals to serious whiskey collectors and casual drinkers looking to expand their understanding of what rye whiskey can be. The contrast between New Riff's flagship rye and their Balboa Rye expression demonstrates these differences in a direct way that drinkers can experience themselves.
The pricing positions Balboa Rye at $59.99, placing it in the premium category without reaching the extreme prices some limited releases command. This price point makes it accessible to dedicated enthusiasts while still signaling that this represents something special beyond everyday bottles.
Distribution began Friday, January 23, at 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Customers can purchase bottles at the distillery's gift shop in Newport, through the company's online store, or at select retail locations throughout the areas where New Riff distributes its products. The staggered release through multiple channels gives both local supporters and distant fans opportunities to acquire bottles.
New Riff Distilling operates as an independently-owned facility in Northern Kentucky, positioning itself at what it calls the gateway to bourbon country. The distillery opened in 2014 with a philosophy of combining traditional sour mash methods with bottled-in-bond standards while being willing to create what they describe as new riffs on old traditions.
The company's portfolio extends beyond Balboa Rye to include bourbon, other rye whiskeys, single malt whiskey, and gin. Both their bourbon and rye offerings are available as single barrel selections, and the distillery runs a private barrel selection program that allows customers to choose quarter, half, or full barrels with personalized labels. This program caters to bars, restaurants, private groups, and collectors who want unique bottles not available to the general public.
The return of Balboa Rye represents more than just another product release. It signals a continued commitment to exploring historical ingredients and techniques that had fallen out of favor in an industry that often prioritizes efficiency and consistency over experimentation. While many distilleries focus exclusively on proven recipes using modern commodity grains, New Riff has carved out space for these heritage projects alongside their core lineup.
For whiskey drinkers tired of seeing the same products on every shelf, these heirloom grain experiments offer genuine novelty backed by quality. The awards and critical recognition suggest that this approach resonates with both expert judges and everyday consumers looking for something different in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
The choice to make Balboa Rye a recurring release rather than a one-time limited edition also shows confidence in the product and recognition that building a following requires consistency. Fans can anticipate future releases while new drinkers have opportunities to discover what makes this expression distinctive without having to hunt for dusty bottles from years past.
As American whiskey continues its renaissance with consumers showing increased interest in craft distilleries and unique expressions, products like Balboa Rye demonstrate that innovation doesn't always mean new techniques or trendy finishes. Sometimes it means looking backward to ingredients that previous generations used, then applying modern knowledge to showcase those ingredients in ways that honor their history while creating something relevant for today's drinkers.
