New Riff Barrel Proof Bourbon 750ML

New Riff Barrel Proof Bourbon 750ML is an uncut, non-chill-filtered Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at full barrel strength, typically ranging from 102 to 110 proof (51–55% ABV) in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in both 2022 and 2025, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most compelling craft barrel-proof bourbons on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by barrel (typically 51–55%)  |  Origin: Newport, Kentucky  |  Minimum 4 Years Old  |  Distillery: New Riff Distilling

Production & Heritage

New Riff Distilling was founded in Newport, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, with a mission to revive pre-Prohibition bourbon-making principles under what the distillery calls the full "Kentucky Regimen." That regimen includes sour mashing, open-top fermentation, distillation on the grain through a column beer still, and a second distillation via a continuous doubler. The high-rye mashbill — 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, all non-GMO — matures for a minimum of four years in 53-gallon toasted and charred new American oak barrels. Unlike many barrel-proof releases that undergo some degree of filtration, New Riff bottles this expression without chill filtration and at whatever proof emerges from the barrel, meaning each batch carries a slightly different ABV and flavor signature.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Butterscotch and fresh oak lead, giving way to vanilla, almond, and a pronounced rye spice. Underneath, dark berries and a faint mintiness add complexity before you ever take a sip.

Taste: The entry is broad and fulsome, coating the palate with sweet vanilla and caramel before the 30% rye mashbill asserts itself through clove, cinnamon, and dark berry notes. At mid-palate, savory elements emerge — roasted peanut, dark chocolate, and a flash of orange peel — while the barrel proof carries all of it with substantial weight and texture.

Finish: Long and rye-driven, with brambly red and black fruits lingering alongside white pepper and clove. The absence of chill filtration preserves a rich, oily mouthfeel that keeps flavors echoing well after the last sip.

How to Drink New Riff Barrel Proof

Neat is the most rewarding starting point; a few drops of water open the aromatics without drowning the barrel-strength intensity. For those who enjoy ice, a single large cube tempers the proof while amplifying the sweeter vanilla and caramel tones.

• Old Fashioned: The high proof and bold rye spice stand up to sugar and bitters without losing definition.
• Manhattan: Dark fruit and clove notes dovetail naturally with sweet vermouth, producing a rich, layered cocktail.
• Boulevardier: The bourbon's weight and sweetness balance Campari's bitterness, while the rye spice keeps the drink from becoming heavy.

Best For

• Barrel-proof bourbon enthusiasts exploring Kentucky craft distilleries
• Gifting a whiskey collector who values non-chill-filtered, cask-strength releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing high-rye mashbill bourbons
• Building a home bar anchored by a versatile, cocktail-worthy barrel-proof bourbon

Frequently Asked Questions

What does New Riff Barrel Proof taste like? It leads with butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel before a bold wave of rye spice — clove, cinnamon, dark berry, and mint — takes over, finishing long with brambly fruit and white pepper.

How does New Riff Barrel Proof compare to Four Roses Single Barrel? Both share a pronounced high-rye character with prominent spice and dark fruit, and experienced tasters have noted flavor similarities to Four Roses' OBSK recipe picks. New Riff distinguishes itself through its non-chill-filtered bottling and its sour-mash, open-fermentation production regimen.

Is New Riff Barrel Proof good for sipping neat? Yes — despite its high proof, the full-bodied mouthfeel and layered complexity reward neat sipping, though a few drops of water can help unlock additional aromatics.

Where is New Riff Barrel Proof made? It is distilled and aged at New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky, located in the Northern Kentucky region directly across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio.

What foods pair well with New Riff Barrel Proof? Smoked brisket complements the bourbon's oak and char notes. Dark chocolate truffles mirror its cocoa undertones. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory tang. Pecan pie echoes the nutty, caramel character. Charcuterie with dried fruits and almonds aligns with the rye-driven spice and berry finish.

What sizes does New Riff Barrel Proof come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle; availability of other sizes may vary by market.

Is New Riff Barrel Proof worth the price? It positions as a premium craft barrel-proof bourbon and delivers quality that frequently competes with more expensive, allocated releases — underscored by its repeat Gold Medal wins at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Why New Riff Barrel Proof?

Repeat Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2022 and 2025 confirm that this is not a one-off success but a consistently excellent barrel-proof bourbon. The commitment to the full Kentucky Regimen — sour mash, open fermentation, distillation on the grain, and a continuous doubler — is a production philosophy few craft distilleries execute so thoroughly. Bottling at barrel proof without chill filtration preserves every nuance the 30% rye mashbill and toasted-and-charred new oak barrels contribute. In a category crowded with high-proof releases, New Riff Barrel Proof earns its place by delivering transparent, unmanipulated bourbon with genuine complexity and verifiable critical acclaim.