New Riff Single Barrel 9th Flr #3 Whiskey Bourbon

Founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, a Kentucky liquor retailer and entrepreneur, New Riff crafts a range of whiskies with a focus on Bourbon and Rye as well as Kentucky Wild Gin. Independently and family-owned, the freedom from outside pressures and interests has allowed New Riff to set meaningful standards of quality, distinguishing them amongst the ranks of Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey distilleries. Although some of their practices are not necessarily new to the world of whiskey, it is unusual to find a distillery adhering simultaneously to so many traditional methods and with such an attention to detail. Sourcing non-GMO grains, using mineral-rich water from an aquifer below the distillery, allowing slow and open fermentation, distilling in copper only, and leaning heavily upon the strict stipulations of Bottled-in-Bond production, New Riff cuts no corners. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the accolades for this small distillery continue to grow.

This single barrel of bourbon (barrell #16-2112) was selected by the Skurnik Spirits Team and bottled exclusively for Skurnik. It’s comprised of New Riff’s signature bourbon mash bill of 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley and was distilled October 3rd, 2016. Dense and rich on the nose with notes of fudge, peanut brittle, and orange peel, the palate leans into semi-sweet chocolate and dark cherry with just enough spice to remind you of the high-rye mash bill. A long and creamy finish belies the higher proof of 52.6% ABV.