New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey
50% ABV (100 proof) | 750mL | 4 years old | Bottled in Bond, non-chill filtered | 65% corn / 30% rye / 5% malted barley | New Riff Distilling, Newport, KY — New Riff Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon is exactly what the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act demands: one distilling season, one distiller, at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, bottled at exactly 100 proof — plus New Riff's own signature of zero chill filtration. Named World's Best Bourbon at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards (and Double Gold, 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition), it's the benchmark for what a modern BiB bourbon can achieve at its price. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
The 30% rye mash bill is the personality: spicier and more savory than traditional bourbon, with butterscotch and fresh oak on the nose opening into vanilla, caramel, and rye spice; a broad, fulsome palate of caramel, cherry, vanilla sweetness, then a gathering of clove, cinnamon, mint, and dark berry; and a long, rye-led finish with brambly fruit, white pepper, and clove. Independent and family-owned in Newport, Kentucky (founded 2014 by Ken Lewis), New Riff puts an age statement on everything and never chill-filters. Among bottled-in-bond bourbons, this is the one that makes the case for the whole category.
Tasting notes
Nose: butterscotch, fresh oak, vanilla, rye spice, orange peel. Palate: caramel, cherry, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, mint, dark berry. Finish: long, rye-led — brambly red-black fruit, white pepper, clove. (Official/press notes; 100 proof.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 100 proof (50% ABV) — true Bottled-in-Bond: one season, one distiller, 4+ years, no chill filtration
- High-rye 65/30/5 mash bill — spicy, savory, full-bodied
- World's Best Bourbon, 2026 World Whiskies Awards; Double Gold, 2023 SFWSC
- Independent, family-owned New Riff Distilling, Newport, Kentucky
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat to taste the BiB character — or as the backbone of an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Bottled in Bond" mean?
The 1897 Act's guarantee: one distilling season, one distiller, aged at least 4 years in a bonded warehouse, bottled at exactly 100 proof.
Is it chill-filtered?
No — New Riff never chill-filters, so the body and flavor stay intact.
Why did it win World's Best Bourbon?
The 2026 World Whiskies Awards crowned it for its rare combination of high-rye spice, BiB authenticity, and polish at its price.
How is it different from New Riff's other bourbons?
This is the flagship: the BiB is the house's defining expression; other releases (single barrel, etc.) build from this foundation.