New Riff Backsetter Peated Backset Bourbon

Let's get started. Nose - The bourbon's aroma is very subtle, featuring vanilla. After a gentle shake, I detect some vegetal notes. I don't perceive peat, only vegetal and vanilla notes. It's rather uninteresting. Shaking it released some alcohol; it was harsh, but that's not typical unless you vigorously shake a glass to get an aroma, which isn't normal. After 10 minutes in the glass, I perceive more traditional bourbon oak and vanilla notes. There's also a hint of mint, which I associate with rye, though I'm unsure of its origin. This might have a higher rye mash bill than some bourbons. Taste - This is the most inconsistent whisky I can recall. That's not necessarily a negative on its own. The duration and complexity of the taste to finish are remarkable for a 4-year-old whisky. It presents as vanilla, steamed vegetal notes, hints of oak, and very minty spearmint with oak. So, is it good? Not really. I appreciate the long-lasting finish and the complexity. However, I don't particularly enjoy the flavors themselves or what they create together. Many of these notes seem to stem from the fact that this is a young bourbon, and an unusual peat has been added that doesn't quite work here. I believe it needed about 5 more years of aging to mature properly. I can't fathom why anyone would like this or who it's for. If you're seeking something strange and unique, this is worth trying. I don't dislike it, and I don't think it's entirely without merit. So, 1 star. I'd strongly advise against it. Given this was a limited, single distillery pick that sold out in an hour, don't pursue it on the secondary market unless you're a devotee of the unusual. If that's you, go for it.

Okay, so I was thrilled when I first heard about this release, anticipating the addition of peat to an already excellent base whiskey. However, after purchasing it and learning that only the barley portion of the backset was peated, my curiosity intensified, especially since the standard New Riff is fantastic. The peat is noticeable on the nose initially or from a distance; otherwise, the barrel proof sensation takes over, bringing the typical NR caramel and cinnamon spice, with a hint of saltiness that remains. Fortunately, there were no "steamed vegetable" notes. Upon the first sip, the body feels light, but the proof reminds you of its presence as it goes down. A second taste reveals some of my favorite peat characteristics, like a roaring tire fire. While brief, this seems to soften the oak notes in the bourbon, while still preserving the rye spice and caramel from the barrel char alone. It's as though it was aged in barrels with both a level 4 and level 1 char simultaneously. The finish is perhaps one of the fastest I've ever encountered, with only that persistent cinnamon lingering, which I found surprising. In summary, this isn't exactly an impressive "new riff," yet it's unique to have. It still reflects the standard NR bourbon flavor so well that it could be tasted alongside others without significant distinction. This was my initial choice before the rye, but as a bourbon option, I'll likely reach for it less often but show it off more.

Tasted neat from the neck pour. After drinking the Backsetter Rye and enjoying it, I was curious about the bourbon. This is a funky experience with a pleasant salted caramel flavor, which I haven't encountered in a 100% rye before. Let's see how the bourbon compares... The peat is much less prominent than in the rye, but there's still an initial rubbery, band-aid-like note. Beyond the peat, there's a lot to explore. This tastes more like a New Riff Bourbon than the rye did. Notes of tea leaves, toffee, caramel, vanilla frosting, and baking spices with cinnamon. The peat recedes further into the background as I continue to taste it. Apples are beginning to appear, adding a nice roundness to the aroma. It has a nice creamy texture. More toffee is present at first, but it shifts into a sweet BBQ rub flavor. I wasn't expecting that. It even reminds me of a specific seasoning blend. That's quite a funky element. Even the streaks on the glass have that flavor! Eventually, I get the caramel and vanilla notes, but then the streaks bring back that familiar seasoning taste. That seasoning again! How is that possible? It's peculiar and amusing, but primarily peculiar. It's an unusual experience.

The bourbon's sweetness was out of sync with the peat. All the sweetness appeared first, with the peat coming in at the end. It's enjoyable, but I don't see myself purchasing it again. I'd prefer a scotch from the Highlands or Islay.

The aroma is smoky, though the palate is less so. It's good and smooth, but not as distinctive as I had anticipated.