New Riff 8 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Exciting times for New Riff, and with this 8 year entry, it really does deserve celebrating. Very, very few American whiskey distilleries can produce a 4 year bourbon and pass it off as something nearly twice it's age statement, but New Riff has consistently done this easily, at least from this enjoyer's perspective. All the ingredients are perfect for a simple, no-fuss bourbon, including at least 100 proof in all their products, no chill filtration, high-rye mash bill, all of which embodies the message "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Having said that, I love the message behind the brand, and I spoke with a representative one time about how the single barrel picks from the staff and others that are distributed are the "new riff" on the classic song that is the batched stuff. Now we have a bourbon (and a rye whiskey that I really want to find) that are now twice the age without that much of a price increase. Making this a permanent product is a move that will truly deliver dividends for the brand, and I can't wait to see if this age tastes itself, or if it follows suit and tastes even older than the statement. The legs are pretty solid here, even though the meniscus appears fairly watery. Despite that, there is quite a deep color here, like the outside of a dusty oak barrel in dim light. The initial nose punches with a grit that's full of spicy rye, but the aggressive nature is only temporary, as other notes of creamy banana, red fruit, and even a touch of bubblegum are also found. Return nosing turns the bubblegum to eggnog, with the fruit and now a citrus flavor remaining, but more creamy than spicy (although the classic rye spice is not missing at all). The first sip is weak and somewhat watery, but a few more sips unlock flavors of meringue or egg cream (not quite eggnog, as the rye spices are different than the spices you'd normally find in that beverage), classic cinnamon and grass from the rye, a pretty heavy amount of vanilla, and creamy, almost toasted oak. The finish is rather thin, with the rye sticking around just a touch, but this is where I finally have a moment to reflect over the corn, and how the raw taste of the grain is missing as compared to the original bourbon. Instead, the new grain flavor is softer, creamier, and an almost thicker sweetness altogether. I think this is a great win for the distillery, especially considering they aren't charging out the ass for this new older version. The 8 year really focuses on the oak and corn sweetness, as opposed to the ~4 year, which lets the powerful rye come through more. Because that soft, almost sugary vanilla sweetness is usually only found in very high age bourbons (usually 15+ years), I'm happy to say that this product follows the brand's pattern, and indeed does taste double it's actual age, despite it being pretty thin as the main downfall. As impressive as this is, the next step is a non-negotiable release of single barrel/barrel picks for 8 year versions of both the bourbon and rye, because the specific and hidden flavors you could find in those "new riffs" are too valuable for the distillery not to release to the public.

Great nose. Good mouthfeel. Very viscous. Delicious.

Light amber color and virtually no legs in the glass. Nose is fairly light apple and fresh cut hay. The palate is a bit short. I lose the apple fruitiness and pick up some bitter chocolate and some spice on the rim of my tongue. Finish brings the same. I like New Riff and thought an 8 yr version would bring more. Disappointing.

Nose is not complex, but pleasant, straight up peanuts and chocolate, maybe a touch of oak and leather. Palate brings more, sweet chocolate, cinnamon, fall spices, and black pepper. I lose the nuttiness from the nose. Finish lingers nicely with the chocolate and the pepper. Ice mellows the pepper, good either way. Solid, good proof point (100), amd decent price ($70).