New Riff Backsetter Peated Backset Bourbon

Alright, so when I first heard of this release, I was excited to have the addition of peat to an already great base whiskey. However, after bringing it home and reading more into it to find only the barley part of the backset was peated, I became even more curious to taste it, since again, standard New Riff is the tits. The peat can be detected on the nose, but only from a distance or at the very first second; after that, the BiB proof hits and brings the standard NR caramel and cinnamon spice, with perhaps a bit of saltwater that lingers around. Thank goodness I did not get anything resembling "steamed vegetables." Upon first taste, the body seems light, but the proof reminds you that it is not, as it goes down. As I taste for a second time, I get a bit of my favorite peat taste notes, a roaring tire fire. Although this does not last long, it seems to affect the bourbon by mellowing the oak notes a tad, while still leaving the rye spice and caramel from just the barrel char. It's as if this was aged in barrels with both a level 4 and level 1 char simultaneously. The finish is probably one of the quickest one I've ever experienced, with the exception of that tough cinnamon sticking around, which I found shocking. Overall, this is both not so much an impressive "new riff" and also unique to have around, all while still representing the standard NR bourbon flavor to the point where it could be drank in a line of others and not change things that noticeably. This was my first choice to taste before the rye, but as the bourbon option, it's something I will likely reach for less, but show off more.

Well, lets just do this. Nose - so the bourbon is really light on the nose. Vanilla. So I gave it a bit of a shake and I'm getting some vegetable notes. So I don't get peat here, just vegetable notes and some vanilla notes. It's kinda boring. When I shook it I get some alcohol, it was harsh but that's not normal, unless you're shaking the hell out of a glass to get a nose, this won't happen. Add 10 minutes in the glass. OK I get more traditional bourbon oak and vanilla notes. There's a hint of a mint too which I associate with rye, not sure where that's coming from. This is a bit higher rye mash bill than some bourbons. Taste - This is the most disjointed whisky I can think of. Now that's not bad by itself. The taste to finish is about as long and complex as I can think of with a 4 year old whisk. So it's vanilla, steamed funky vegetables, hints of oak, and really minty spearmint and oak. So is it good? Not really. I love the long lingering finish and the complexity. I however don't really enjoy any of the flavors or what we get with all that. A lot of those notes I think are harping on this is young bourbon AND they added this odd peat that doesn't work here. I think these needed 5 or so more years of age to work. I just can't see why or who would like this. If you're looking for strange and unique whisky this is one to try. I don't hate it and I don't think this is without any value. So 1 star. I'd avoid the hell out of this. Given this was a one off distillery pick only and they sold out in an hour. Don't chase this secondary unless you're just a fan boy of weird. If that's you then have at it.