[Updated] New Riff Single Barrel [Last Drop] Review 2024 | Last Drop Review!

The Crane Whiskey Society has added a special bottle to its collection: a New Riff Single Barrel chosen by its members earlier in 2023. But who are they?

This group of whiskey fans is based in southern Indiana and includes people working near the secretive Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.

There are rumors of mysterious projects involving alternate dimensions and telekinesis, but they prefer to keep that part quiet.

Speaking of uniqueness, New Riff Distillery stands out in the whiskey world.

Even though they’ve been making whiskey for almost 10 years, their private barrel program only offers bourbon aged 4-5 years.

This plan helps them save older barrels for the future, but fans often choose barrels in the same age range year after year.

The good news? New Riff has many barrels to choose from at its distillery in Newport, Kentucky.

Each one comes with detailed tasting notes.

But the younger age of the bourbon has made some customers less excited, especially those who have seen the same options for several years.

Still, groups like the Crane Whiskey Society appreciate New Riff’s affordable pricing. Bottles cost less than $50 at wholesale.

For new whiskey fans or those returning to the brand, picking a barrel can still be an exciting experience.

Curious about this particular bottle, I picked one up.

I’m ready to try it again after taking a break from New Riff for a few years.

I’ll taste it neat in a Glencairn glass and share my thoughts soon—stay tuned!

new riff single barrel tasting notes

Aromas

The smell is lively and has many different scents.

At first, you can smell a bit of Crème Brule and cinnamon.

Then, there are fruity smells like cooked raspberries, pears, currants, and dates.

Even though it’s young, you can still notice a nice hint of oak with a slightly old-style touch and a small smell of the barrel’s char.

I also noticed a slight scent of ground fennel seed, probably from the rye grain used to make it.

Palates

This whiskey has a lot of rye, which gives it bold flavors like pepper, cinnamon, and a touch of licorice.

There’s also a hint of mint that shows off the high rye content.

Sweet caramel balances out the stronger flavors of leather and oak.

You’ll also taste classic bourbon notes like cherry and vanilla, making it smooth and enjoyable.

At 113.3 proof, it’s strong and leaves a lasting impression.

Finish

The finish has sweet flavors of molasses, tea, and vanilla, with fruity notes like cherry and raspberry that stay for a while.

Interestingly, the taste of leather stands out more than oak, giving it a unique and pleasant feel.

Also, Check out the Price of Old Grand Dad 114 2024.

new riff distillery

New Riff Distillery, located in Newport, Kentucky, is a newer but ambitious maker of American whisky.

It was started in 2014 by Ken Lewis, who used to own a liquor store.

The distillery’s name, “New Riff,” shows its goal of creating a fresh take on whisky while honoring its history.

From the start, New Riff focused on quality and staying true to whisky-making traditions.

Their motto, “A New Riff on an Old Tradition,” reflects their mix of classic methods and modern ideas.

They make both bourbon and rye whiskies, using 100% sour mash recipes and traditional copper pot stills to give their whisky rich flavor and consistency.

One key feature of New Riff is its Bottled-in-Bond whiskies. This means their whiskies meet strict rules: aged at least four years, made in one season, and bottled at 100 proof.

This focus on quality and honesty has earned them many fans.

Though the distillery has been around for nearly 10 years, they haven’t yet released older whiskies in their private barrel program.

Most barrels chosen by groups or stores are aged 4–5 years.

This choice helps them save older whisky for the future but has made some fans eager to see how their whiskies improve with age.

The New Riff Distillery is a great place to visit. The modern building offers tours and tastings, letting visitors learn about their process and try single-barrel whiskies.

As they grow, New Riff is becoming a top name in American whisky, combining tradition and new ideas in every bottle.

Check the Detailed Review of Eagle Rare 10-Year Bourbon Whiskey 2024.

new riff single barrel reviews

Also, Check out the Yamazaki 18 Flavour Profile at USA 2024.

new riff single barrel review 2024

FAQs