New Riff 8 Year Kentucky Straight Rye

New Riff is one of the few craft distilleries that truly understands their identity and consistently produces high-quality, well-priced products. Offering affordable 8-year-old bourbon and rye options is precisely what American consumers want and need. I will continue to support distilleries that prioritize customer feedback. While I generally prefer younger ryes, 8 years still retains enough spicy character, especially with New Riff's signature 95/5 mash bill. The 100 proof, absence of charcoal filtering (a practice I regret still being used), and lack of other unnecessary additions suggest this is another excellent offering. The appearance is a deep chestnut with a hint of cherry red. The aroma blends toffee, crackers, dried lemon zest, some dark fruit, and a general spiciness that's a mix of cinnamon and ethanol. The initial taste is quite fruity, with banana and various berries leading. The proof or the rye's inherent spice intensifies afterward, but not excessively, allowing the grain's savory qualities to remain, likely due to the extended aging. Oaky sweetness is somewhat present near the finish, but the overall profile leans towards spice, with a return of the berry notes from earlier, accompanied by a touch of lemon. There's little to critique here, as this product meets the expectations set by both the distillery and the bottling itself. This doesn't mean the 4-year expressions should be discontinued, particularly the rye, as the younger version possesses a more pronounced spicy bite that rye enthusiasts appreciate. However, as I conclude this review and let the final sip linger, I notice the finish develops and strengthens over time, rather than fading. This bottling, like all of New Riff's offerings, tastes significantly older than its stated age. This has become their hallmark, enabling consumers to explore aged American whiskey without the high cost or scarcity issues, making them one of the most patriotic and commendable distilleries I can think of.

The alcohol-free aroma is captivating, offering notes of cotton candy, citrus, vanilla cream, crisp rye crackers, pine, and raspberry. A subtle funkiness emerges over time. The palate aligns closely with the aroma, presenting a strong burst of raspberry followed by candied oak, spun sugar, cardamom, peach, basil, and dark chocolate. The flavors are vibrant and exceptionally well-balanced. The lengthy finish provides more crystalline sugar, peppermint, clove, cinnamon, leather, and tobacco. The texture is rich and velvety, truly delightful. There's a great deal happening here, resulting in an exceptional, though unconventional, rye that drinks more like a high-rye bourbon. The cotton candy/spun sugar note from start to finish is a bit overpowering, but it's a minor drawback. At $74.99, it's an incredible bargain. However, I found both the 6-year Malted and Balboa Ryes to offer slightly more varied flavor profiles, which places this expression a bit lower in my ranking compared to those options.

The initial aroma is green apple and vanilla. As it rests in the glass, some oak emerges. Baked goods, pastry, perhaps a green apple pie. Hints of cinnamon and mint. Palate offers more citrus along with sweet tea and mint. A subtle herbal note, but not quite dill. A pleasant oakiness appears towards the finish. I anticipated liking this more than the 8-year bourbon, as I generally prefer ryes over bourbons, and I enjoy New Riff's ryes more than their bourbons. Indeed, I do prefer this one, but not as much as I expected, which I believe speaks more to the quality of the bourbon rather than any disappointment with the rye. Both receive 4 stars, but the rye edges out the bourbon for me, possibly due to my general preference for rye.

Initial thoughts are being left here. Smell - standard, typical rye. No significant oak or anything remarkable. Pure sweetness is the main characteristic. More than anticipated. Taste - The initial flavor is like crystalized sugar with a hint of tart candy over vanilla. Quite enjoyable. Finish- pleasant finish, with leather and tobacco notes, and a good lingering sensation too. A solid rye, but I hesitate to say it's a significant upgrade from the four-year-old. It has more oak and leather/tobacco notes. It's good. 2.5 for an initial pour. I don't think I would actively seek this out. If you come across one and desire an older rye, go ahead. However, their malted rye remains their go-to rye so far.

Nose: I first noticed a sweeter grassy (pea / potato?) note, oat-like rye spice, lighter stone fruit with a lemon zest. Some peppery oak, and slight solvent astringency. Taste: Sweet pea and honey seem to dominate here for me up front...which is strange. Notes of stone fruit and honeysuckle come through, then it unfolds into a nice caramel. There is a nice white pepper / oak hit on the tail end, and a surprisingly longer finish than expected. T8ke: 7.4

This rye genuinely surprised me. It possesses a deep, rich oakiness that works exceptionally well. It's a sweet rye, yet the savory aroma on the nose keeps drawing me back. I could easily mistake this for a bourbon; it's not distinctly rye-like to me.