New Riff Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Review
New Riff Bottled in Bond Straight Rye ReviewCouldn't load pickup availability
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Is This For Me?
Rye lovers who want a bold, spice-forward daily sipper without breaking the bank. The 100-proof BiB designation guarantees quality and transparency.
You prefer sweeter, more mellow whiskeys — this one leads with rye spice and peppery heat from start to finish.
Cocktail enthusiasts — the bold rye character and 100-proof backbone make it ideal for Manhattans and Old Fashioneds.
Flavor Profile at a Glance
What It Tastes Like
Nose
Orange peel, mint, oak, hint of herbal, vanilla.
Palate
Rye spice, mint, caramel, hint of dark fruit, clove.
Finish
Long and warming, lingering rye spice, mint, fading into caramel.
Best Ways to Enjoy
Neat
Showcases the bold spice and full proof profile — this is where the 95/5 mashbill truly shines.
With Water
A few drops open up the vanilla and toffee notes, mellowing the aggressive rye spice.
On Ice
Softens the heat for a more approachable sip while maintaining the grain-forward character.
Cocktail
The 100-proof backbone and bold spice make it an excellent cocktail backbone that doesn't get lost.
Cocktail Scores
Price & Value
Excellent value. At under $45, this BiB rye delivers bold flavor and 100-proof authenticity that competes with bottles twice its price. One of the best values in the straight rye category.
Bottle Transparency
- Proof100 proof / 50% ABV — Bottled-in-Bond
- Age4 years (minimum required by BiB Act)
- Mashbill95% rye / 5% malted rye (unique — uses malted rye instead of malted barley)
- DistilleryNew Riff Distilling, Newport, KY
- Barrel53-gallon, toasted & charred new American oak
- FilteringNon-chill filtered
- ProcessSour mash
- ColorNatural, no additives
Our Full Review of New Riff Bottled in Bond Straight Rye
New Riff has quickly established itself as one of Kentucky's most transparent and quality-driven craft distilleries, and their Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye is a cornerstone of the lineup. What makes this rye unique is the mashbill — 95% rye with 5% malted rye rather than the typical malted barley. This all-rye grain bill delivers an especially pure rye character that's bold, spicy, and unapologetically grain-forward. At 100 proof and 4 years old, it meets every requirement of the Bottled-in-Bond Act while also being non-chill filtered — a rarity at this price point. The result is a rye that punches well above its weight class.
The nose opens with classic rye aromatics: black pepper, mint, vanilla, and butterscotch, all layered with allspice. The palate delivers cinnamon spice, toffee, and rich rye grain character with a medium-full mouthfeel enhanced by the non-chill filtered approach. The finish is where this bottle truly shines — long, warming, and loaded with persistent rye spice, vanilla buttercream, and brown sugar.
For under $50, this is one of the best straight rye values on the market today.
Community Tasting Notes
Top Reported Flavors
Rating Distribution
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent value at under $50 for a BiB rye
- Bold, authentic rye spice character from 95/5 all-rye mashbill
- Non-chill filtered at this price point is rare
- Versatile — great neat or as a cocktail backbone
Cons
- Spice-forward profile may overwhelm sweetness seekers
- 4-year age statement is on the younger side
- Limited availability outside Kentucky and select markets
Frequently Asked Questions
