In relation to bourbon, Kentucky reigns supreme. The Bluegrass State is the undisputed gold customary for high quality bourbon—fittingly, additionally house to america Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. However whereas Kentucky holds agency to its bourbon legacy, different states are staking claims in numerous corners of the American whiskey panorama. Indiana and Maryland are rising as leaders in rye whiskey, whereas Colorado and the Pacific Northwest have gotten hubs for the quickly rising American single malt class.
Kentucky will not be identified for single malt—at the least not but—however that could be extra a matter of focus than potential. With its deep distilling experience and very best growing older situations, the query isn’t whether or not Kentucky could make nice single malt, however whether or not it’s lastly able to attempt. Quietly difficult expectations is Lexington’s City Department, which boasts a number of the most mature American single malts available on the market, with a number of expressions aged over 10 years.
Additional north, New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky, has taken a daring and unconventional path. Recognized for getting extra rye grain than corn—a rarity amongst American distilleries—New Riff has additionally been quietly laying down experimental single malt since its early days. In Might 2025, the distillery launched its third version of New Riff Bitter Mash Single Malt Whiskey with lot code 25.3.6.6, an expression that continues to evolve with every launch.
The 2025 version is a wedding of innovation and endurance, aged 7 to 10 years and completed in six distinct cask varieties: new charred oak, de-charred toasted oak, de-charred and re-charred oak, Madeira, Oloroso Sherry, and French oak crimson wine barrels from Taransaud cooperage. After these distinctive maturations, the whiskey was re-barreled into used oak for extra growing older—marking the primary time New Riff has employed this ending course of.
Crafted from 100% malted barley, the bottle includes a trio of barley varieties: 41% Maris Otter, 18% closely smoked Scottish peated malt, and 41% from a barleywine-inspired grain invoice drawn from traditional beer recipes. Fermentation lasted 72 hours, starting at 68°F and allowed to free-rise to 90°F, the place it was held till completion. The distillate initially got here off the nonetheless at 120 proof, with the doubler elevating it to 135 proof. New Riff then entered the spirit into barrels at a conservative 110 proof.
Drinkhacker reviewed New Riff’s single malt releases in each 2023 and 2024, noting the model’s promising entry into the American single malt class. With extra age on the whiskey and extra expertise below its belt, New Riff returns in 2025 with its most bold launch but. So how does the third version measure up? Let’s make a beeline to the bottle. The 2025 launch will first be accessible at New Riff Distilling, a part of Northern Kentucky’s B-Line.
New Riff Bitter Mash Single Malt Whiskey 2025 Overview
The Spring 2025 launch opens with a fascinating nosing expertise of campfire smoke and the richness of a Terry’s Darkish Chocolate Orange. Toasted walnuts and figs quickly comply with, providing a weighty fragrant profile. It’s a nostril that instructions consideration—strong but composed—worthy of time and appreciation earlier than the primary sip.
On the palate, the whiskey continues its assured stride. Daring notes of espresso and toasted chestnuts paved the way, adopted by the interaction of malted milk balls and juicy raisins. The mouthfeel is notably dense and satisfying, reinforcing the sense of depth with out overwhelming. The end provides a full of life burst of orange zest, adopted by waves of raisin, boysenberry, and a contact of delicate tobacco.
Whereas the 2023 and 2024 editions had been thoughtfully crafted and extremely pleasurable, the 2025 launch ascends to a different tier. Each barrel on this batch has seen at the least 7 years of maturation, with a number of reaching 8 to 10 years. That added time in casks brings readability and distinction, elevating this launch properly above its lesser-aged predecessors. The 2025 New Riff Single Malt is well among the many most compelling American single malts I’ve tasted within the final yr. When you discover it priced round its $70 MSRP, it’s a wonderful pickup—one which overdelivers in each method.
115.2 proof
A / $70 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
New Riff Bitter Mash Single Malt Whiskey 2023
USD70
