New Riff Malted Rye (6-Year)
Overall Score: 7/10
Overall Value: 4/5
Distillery: New Riff Distilling
Classification: Malted Rye
Company: New Riff Distilling
Release Date: Fall 2021
Proof: 100
Age: 6 Years
Mashbill: 100% Malted Rye
Color: Caramel
MSRP: $65
The Barrel Bros’ Review
New Riff's 6-year Malted Rye, showcases a delightful complexity of flavors. The nose welcomes with a radiant blend of honeycomb, graham cracker, and fruity undertones, reminiscent of an apple orchard. There is also a sweetness reminiscent of candy corn.
On the palate, the honey continues to unfold, complemented by a light maltiness akin to American single-malt whiskey. It also surprises with a balance of rye spice with a pleasing oiliness and a touch of aged oak.
The finish, though not overly sweet, coats the palate with rye spice and pine woodiness, hinting at its youthfulness and the sour mash. While the finish delivers a lingering hint of honey, it also carries a notable alcohol bite, adding a rough conclusion to the experience.
At an MSRP of around $65, this bottle offers excellent value, promising complexity, and a unique addition to any collection.
Whether enjoyed by a fall fire or savored slowly, New Riff's Malted Rye is sure to captivate whiskey enthusiasts seeking a distinctive tasting experience.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
Candy corn with a hint of maltiness. Everything about the nose is sweet!
Sweet red fruits mixed with a bit of orange, along with sweet dark oak.
THE TASTE:
The rye spice is present, but not dry. The mouth feel has a pleasant oiliness to it.
This tastes like a dusty library book and has an age to it that is very appealing.
It’s not at all sweet like the nose presents. Pine woodiness at the end.
THE FINISH:
The whiskey coats the mouth well.
However, this finish is not sweet and mostly leaves me with the rye spice/pine.
This is the only aspect of the pour that may hint at its youthfulness, as I did get some faint alcohol notes.
BUY OR PASS?
This is a great value buy. It’s going to be something different on the shelf that offers complexity.
I would easily go to this sitting around a fall fire, and in fact, that’s probably the correct time to do so!
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
It's bright and lovely, with malt leading the charge.
Think honeycomb, graham cracker, and even a hint of campfire s'mores.
And surprise, surprise, there's a fruity twist, almost like munching on a fruit roll-up.
THE TASTE:
A wonderful amount of sweet honey. If you were sipping blindfolded, you might this pour was finished in honey barrels.
The malt is for sure present, giving off this airy, light vibe—kinda like an American single malt or maybe a light whiskey.
THE FINISH:
Here is where things get a tad bumpy.
There's still a whisper of honey lingering around, but then BAM! You get a smack of that alcohol bite.
A rough ending to an awesome nose and taste.
BUY OR PASS?
Overall, for $65 MSRP, this bottle is a steal. It's not your run-of-the-mill whiskey—it's a malted rye gem. With its complexity and that eye-catching bottle, it's a winner for sure.
And, fingers crossed that New Riff blesses us with an older version someday. Imagine the layers of flavor after 8-10 years of aging!
