In an exciting development for whiskey aficionados, New Riff Distillery has proudly unveiled the simultaneous release of two 8-year-old whiskeys, marking a historic milestone as the oldest expressions to ever emerge from the esteemed distillery. These remarkable spirits, New Riff's 100% Malted Rye and a groundbreaking Wheated Bourbon, are set to take center stage in the eagerly anticipated "High Note" limited edition lineup for this fall. Eager enthusiasts can anticipate their availability later this month, primarily through New Riff's exclusive Whiskey Club, with an added treat of being offered across the bar at the newly revamped Aquifer Tasting Bar, slated to open its doors imminently.
While both whiskeys boast an enviable heritage of 8 years of meticulous aging, they share the unique distinction of being bottled straight from the barrel at an impressive 117.9 proof, all without the intervention of chill filtration. Let's dive deeper into the characteristics that make each of these aged spirits stand out.
Bohemian Wheat Bourbon: A Tribute to Craftsmanship
The Bohemian Wheat Bourbon, a true testament to innovation and craftsmanship, pays homage to the distillery team's inspiration, which they drew from the realm of classic wheat beers. Their creative journey led them to construct a Bavarian Dunkelweizen-style bourbon mashbill that ingeniously combines three distinct wheats. The outcome is an unprecedented two-grain bourbon, venturing far from the traditional path and opening a new chapter in the world of Kentucky bourbon.
Co-founder Jay Erisman described this wheated bourbon as "a quite unique" creation. Notably, it features malted wheat, rather than the typical raw wheat utilized by other producers. With a high wheat content in the mash and the absence of malted barley, this Bohemian Wheat Bourbon has earned its place as an extraordinary, trailblazing spirit that's unlikely to find its match in the heart of Kentucky.
The intricate composition of this bourbon includes 65% non-GMO corn, 18% Bohemian floor-malted wheat, 10% unmalted wheat, and 7% dark wheat. The barrels used to create this exceptional whiskey were held back for additional aging from the distillery's initial release of this recipe under the "Maltster" label. This Bohemian Wheat Bourbon proudly bears the title of a "two-grain whiskey," crafted solely from corn and wheat. It adheres to the standard Kentucky sour mash regimen but also introduces a unique step in the process: boiling the unmalted small grains alongside the corn, adding yet another layer of complexity to the spirit's flavor profile.
The Malted Rye 8-Year-Old: A Rare Gem
For those with an appreciation for the nuanced and delicate flavors of rye whiskey, New Riff's Malted Rye 8-Year-Old is a rare and delightful find. Crafted from 100% malted rye, it's the result of several barrels meticulously preserved for further aging from the distillery's very first year of malted rye production. This aged gem stands as one of the earliest expressions of New Riff's older whiskeys, and possibly, the oldest Kentucky malted rye to ever grace a bottle.
According to Erisman, this Malted Rye 8-Year-Old delivers a flavor profile that marries the undeniable richness of a fully matured whiskey with the exquisite spice of malted rye. In a world where 100% malted rye whiskeys are a rare find in Kentucky and American whiskey more broadly, this 8-year-old barrel-proof spirit is nothing short of a one-of-a-kind dram.
The New Riff High Note Series, where these extraordinary whiskeys find their home, is a platform specially designed for limited production runs, one-of-a-kind creations, unique barrel selections, and other delightful surprises. Both of these 8-year-old wonders are presented at cask strength, unaltered by chill filtration, and are made available with a suggested retail price of $69.99.
With their rich histories, unique compositions, and exemplary aging, New Riff's dual release of 8-year-old whiskeys is set to elevate the Kentucky whiskey scene to new heights. Whiskey enthusiasts, both local and beyond, are poised to embark on a tasting journey that promises exceptional depth and complexity, with Bohemian Wheat Bourbon and Malted Rye 8-Year-Old taking the spotlight this fall. Don't miss the opportunity to savor these remarkable spirits, a testament to New Riff's dedication to craft and quality.
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About New Riff Distillery
New Riff Distillery is a renowned distillery located in Newport, Kentucky, USA. Founded in 2014, this relatively young distillery has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to producing high-quality craft spirits. New Riff is known for its dedication to the art and science of whiskey-making, and it has earned a strong reputation in the bourbon industry.
One of the key principles that sets New Riff apart is their insistence on using traditional methods and non-GMO ingredients. The distillery focuses on the production of Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and other spirits, all crafted with a meticulous attention to detail. They source their grains locally, which adds to the unique character and flavor of their products.
New Riff is a "grain-to-glass" distillery, meaning that they handle every step of the whiskey-making process on-site. This approach allows them to maintain control over the quality of their products, from mashing and fermentation to distillation, aging, and bottling. The distillery also uses a combination of new and used barrels for aging, which contributes to the complexity and depth of their whiskey flavors.
A distinctive aspect of New Riff is their commitment to transparency. They openly share information about their production processes, including the mash bill, distillation methods, and aging techniques. This transparency resonates well with whiskey enthusiasts, who appreciate knowing the intricacies of how their favorite spirits are crafted.
The distillery offers a range of bourbon and rye whiskey expressions, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of their offerings include single barrel releases, bottled-in-bond bourbons, and limited-edition releases. New Riff's tasting room and visitor center provide a welcoming atmosphere for those interested in exploring their products and learning more about the art of distillation. The distillery's dedication to quality and transparency has made it a noteworthy player in the world of American whiskey, and it continues to receive accolades and awards for its exceptional spirits.
