New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is the barrel-proof flagship of New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky — a high-rye bourbon (65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley, all non-GMO) aged at least 4 years in 53-gallon toasted-and-charred new American oak barrels. Each barrel is bottled at its own natural proof — documented bottlings run roughly 105 to 112 proof — with no chill filtration, so no two barrels taste exactly alike. Presented in 750mL, it is a savory, spicy, full-bodied Kentucky bourbon. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: barrel proof — varies by barrel (documented ~105–112 proof); exact ABV per bottle label
- Age: at least 4 years
- Size: 750mL
- Mash bill: 65% non-GMO corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley; full sour mash "Kentucky Regimen"
- Origin: New Riff Distilling, Newport, Kentucky (founded 2014 by Ken Lewis)
- Style: single barrel, barrel proof, no chill filtration — NOT bottled-in-bond
Newport's High-Rye Riff on Tradition
Ken Lewis founded New Riff in 2014 after a career as one of Kentucky's most respected liquor retailers — he knew exactly what great barrel picks tasted like, and built a distillery to make them. Every New Riff whiskey carries an age statement and is bottled without chill filtration; the Single Barrel program is the purest expression of that philosophy. Each barrel is tasted and approved by a production panel before bottling at its natural proof — the rye-forward mash bill (30% rye is genuinely high) delivering savory spice in every glass. A Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (per retailer citation) backs the quality. Explore more bourbon whiskey, browse American whiskey, or see the New Riff range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per the distillery's official notes: butterscotch rounding into fresh oak with vanilla and rye spice on the nose; a broad, fulsome palate leading to a sweeter vanilla accent before rye spices (clove, cinnamon, mint, dark berry) gather; a long, rye-led finish with brambly red-black fruits amid white pepper and clove.
How to Enjoy
Neat to meet the barrel proof head-on — a few drops of limestone water open the vanilla and tame the heat. A stellar Old Fashioned base for high-rye lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is New Riff Single Barrel?
It varies by barrel — documented bottlings run about 105 to 112 proof. Check your bottle's label for its exact proof.
Is it bottled-in-bond?
No — bottled-in-bond requires exactly 100 proof; this is bottled at barrel proof, which varies barrel to barrel.
How old is it?
At least 4 years — every New Riff whiskey carries an age statement.
One barrel, one proof, zero shortcuts — order New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.