New Riff 4 Year Single Barrel Rye

Neat. Neck pour. Been awhile since I opened up a new New Riff Single Barrel. Was just in the mood to open up something new and watch the sunset. This seemed low key enough for a Tuesday. The maple on this nose is so warm and inviting. So much spice. Cinnamon, clove, hint of smoke. Crescent rolls slightly burnt but dosed in butter. There is this freshness too, like thyme. The potpourri bowl in my Aunt Elaine’s bathroom. Just refreshing. Loving the oily mouthfeel. Very rich and viscous. Geez this one is very very floral. Initially it’s quite sweet on the tongue, more honey than maple. Darkens up with a bit of cinnamon. But then mid palate the sweetness escalates and literally blossoms. Hint of smoke appears on the finish, which is interesting. The finish is mostly a rich caramel, even a hint of flan. The rye spice is there like a backdrop. I had to look for it but when I found it, it is a consistent beat throughout out the tasting. Getting this lovely Kentucky hug as it rolls down, leaving more honey and floral in its wake and on my breadth. New Riff makes such a lovely rye. I am just not sure what others are drinking. These single barrels have been consistently fabulous, varied adventures that delight me every time. Perfect way to enjoy this sunset and multi colored Ohio sky.

Rating: 15/23 I was a bit underwhelmed by the regular New Riff Straight Rye, but it's always fun to try single barrels and see how they differ. Throw in barrel proof and I think there's some potential here. N: This smells a bit fuller than before. I still get the rye spice with apple. I get a little bit of floral scent, but this seems more on the rich, faintly oily side with a bit more bitter herbs. The nose is solid, but not too exciting. There are some nice subtleties hiding in it though. P: This is a lot fuller than either the mainline New Riff Straight Rye or the mainline New Riff Straight Bourbon. I get some nice apple and banana sweetness balanced by floral rye tartness and spiciness. And, of course, the mint. There's some mellow woodiness, but it's not terribly present. The harshness doesn't seem as big of a problem in this as in the other New Riff offerings I've tried. There's a nice swaddling of vanilla going on here too. I'm reminded a bit of Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof in how this toes the line with its sweet banana, but ultimately stays on the right side of it. The balance here is terrific and the complexity is solid enough. This is an enjoyable sipper. F: The green banana lingers a bit, but the flavors largely get drier here. It's more floral, but still dry, as the rye shows a bit more of its character. - Conclusion - It seems like the higher proof helps here, but mainly this is a good pick. As far as rating it goes, this is in the awkward 15 to 16 range. I feel like I've rated a lot of ryes at 16... but I also feel like they're all 16s. This competes nicely with Russell's Reserve 6 (which I also think of as a 15 to 16), but isn't as good as Kings County Empire Rye or Whistlepig PiggyBack. I'm leaning toward a 15 here, but it's a high 15, whereas the other New Riffs barely made the cut to reach their ratings. I'm close to giving this a 16, but not quite there. Thanks to @ctbeck11 for the sample!

Spicy on the back end.

So torn about this. It’s a very high quality rye and a rye purist’s rye. Nose is light, perfume, and mint. It’s clean and fresh with some hint of raw cane sugar. Palate has a medium mouthfeel with rye, rye, RYE. Arrival is sweet mint with a hint of baking spice. Development absolutely overwhelms the senses with hot pepper heat. For me, it’s a one dimensional kick you in the face spice that just isn’t my favorite in a rye. If you like spicy food or are interested in what a pure rye mashbill tastes like, then give it a try as this is a well crafted example. Finish is slightly bitter and sour with a hint of oak that fades quickly. Personally, I recommend the Willet Family Estate Rye instead as a bit more to explore on the nose and palate.

heat dominates the palate. Even after a few sips. Spice is bold but uneventful, pepper and licorice. Solid new offering, but lacking overall