If you had asked me, a Bourbon enthusiast five or six years ago, to describe rye whiskey's flavor profile, my first, and perhaps only, descriptor would have been spicy. This perception stemmed largely from my limited exposure to the category and the prominence of Kentucky-style ryes (at least 51% rye), Maryland-style ryes (70 to 80% rye), and MGP-style ryes (typically 95% rye), which traditionally rely on unmalted rye grain. For drinkers whose experience with rye whiskey is limited to these styles, discovering a malted rye whiskey can be genuinely surprising and rewarding, revealing a more nuanced, distinctive side of the category.
New Riff is one of a few distilleries that use 100% malted rye to make whiskey. Malted Rye is not uncommon in the mash bill of Rye Whiskeys, but usually in small percentages. Rye whiskey is famously difficult to make because the grain contains high levels of proteins and complex polysaccharides called beta-glucans. When hydrated, these compounds create a thick, slimy, gummy mash that resists heating, cooling, pumping, and fermentation, and can easily scorch inside a still.
Malted Rye develops naturally active enzymes that facilitate mashing while contributing exceptional depth, body, and a remarkably complex toasted-bread and biscuit character to whiskey. These endogenous enzymes convert starches into fermentable sugars, enabling efficient saccharification without necessarily requiring supplemental enzymes. In contrast, unmalted Rye lacks sufficient active enzymes to convert its starches independently, so the process typically requires malted barley or commercially produced enzymes. Beyond its functional advantages, malted Rye transforms Rye's characteristic sharp, peppery, grassy intensity into a more rounded, integrated flavor profile that emphasizes warm toasted bread, buttery biscuit, cocoa, vanilla, earthy sweetness, and delicate baking spices. The result is a whiskey with greater flavor complexity, enhanced balance, and a distinctive depth of character.
Approximately two years ago, I discovered New Riff's Malted Rye, and it quickly earned my admiration. To me, it offered a compelling bridge between traditional rye whiskey and the complexity that single malt enthusiasts appreciate. I later explored New Riff's Balboa Rye, crafted from an heirloom grain variety dating back to the 1940s that has historical roots in Indiana. Once again, the distillery showed its ability to produce a distinctive, characterful rye whiskey.
Given my appreciation for these expressions, New Riff's Sherry Finish Malted Rye immediately caught my attention. This release builds on the distillery's continued exploration of malted Rye, combining its distinctive grain-driven character with maturation in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Bottled at barrel strength and presented without chill filtration, it preserves the whiskey's natural character while introducing the additional complexity associated with sherry-cask finishing. The expression's quality has also earned industry recognition, including a Double Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a place in the finals as a Best of Class contender in the Special-Barrel Finished Whiskey category.
Today, we're reviewing a Limited Edition from New Riff: Kentucky Straight Malted Rye Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks.
Adhering to the rigorous standards of Bourbon Awareness whiskey evaluations, this whiskey underwent tasting in a Glencairn glass, where it was meticulously rested for a minimum of ten minutes. The tasting was conducted over two to three weeks, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of its intricate flavors and nuances.
New Riff Kentucky Straight Malted Rye Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks Tasting Notes
Appearance: Dark Amber Proof: Barrel Proof at 111.9 Proof without Chill Filtration
Age: At Least 6 Years Mashbill: 100% Malted Rye Price: Around $70.00 to $75.00
Nose: The nose opens with impressive intensity, immediately showcasing a harmonious interplay between rye spice and sherry influence. Rich, dark, stewed fruits take center stage, with pronounced notes of raisins and prunes complemented by orange peel, cranberries, and blackberries. Subtle spices add further complexity, while brown sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon sticks intertwine with an elegant leathery character. Beneath these layers lies a remarkably juicy berry compote that gradually gives way to caramel sweetness and warming clove. Oak influence remains restrained, with virtually no discernible char, allowing the fruit and spice elements to stay prominent.
Palate: The palate has a medium-full, velvety mouthfeel with warming notes of cinnamon, baking spice, and subtle stewed fruit. Rich sherry influences add layers of raspberry preserves, blackberry, strawberry, and orange peel, complemented by concentrated raisin and stewed-fruit characteristics. Midpalate: Vanilla adds creamy sweetness with a touch of toasty malt and chocolate, while molasses adds depth and pronounced dark-sugar richness.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally refined, offering remarkable length and persistence. Subtle nuances of polished leather, toasted oak, and char contribute depth and structural complexity, while a harmonious interplay of spice, fruit, leather, and oak defines its gradual, warming evolution. Non-chill filtration preserves a full-bodied mouthfeel, adding distinctive richness and a naturally oily texture. Particularly compelling in its progression, the finish gradually unfolds with elegant layers of fruit, spice, toasty malt, chocolate, leather, and tobacco, maintaining balance and complexity long after the final sip.
Summary & Final Thoughts: Overall, New Riff's Malted Rye Sherry Finish at Barrel Proof is an exceptionally well-crafted whiskey that deserves serious consideration from both rye enthusiasts and admirers of sherry-finished single malts. Bottled at barrel proof, this release delivers the intensity, complexity, and depth that discerning whiskey enthusiasts appreciate. The sherry influence is particularly compelling, imparting rich notes of red and stewed fruits, layers of dark sweetness, and a subtle yet complementary oak spice character.
The mouthfeel is equally impressive, especially at this proof. Furthermore, the absence of chill filtration preserves the whiskey's natural oils, contributing to its full-bodied texture and remarkably persistent finish. While personal preference ultimately plays a role, I believe single malt Scotch enthusiasts will find considerable appeal in this release from New Riff.
This is an unconventional and distinctive expression of rye whiskey, designed to challenge expectations and stand apart from more traditional offerings. In my opinion, it succeeds. The use of both Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks to finish rye whiskey is particularly intriguing, offering an exciting avenue for further exploration of the category.
Stay tuned for future blog posts featuring additional rye whiskey reviews and tasting notes as we continue to explore the innovation and diversity emerging within the rye whiskey landscape.
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See our website at bourbonaware.com and whiskeyuniv.com/nj-central-new-jersey-area. You can contact us at harrycasazza@bourbonaware.com