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New Riff Malted Rye Review

New Riff Malted Rye Review
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4.4 /5
Community Score
Based on 10 ratings
Baking SpiceHoneyVanillaDried FruitMint

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Home Rye Whiskey Reviews New Riff New Riff Malted Rye Review

Quick Facts

Type
Kentucky Straight Malted Rye (Bottled-in-Bond)
Proof
100 proof / 50% ABV
Age
6 years
Mashbill
100% malted rye
Origin
Newport, Kentucky (New Riff Distilling)
Barrel
53-gallon new charred oak
Filtration
Non-chill filtered
Price Range
$55–$65

New Riff Malted Rye vs. Other Bottled-in-Bond Ryes

How does New Riff Malted Rye compare? Here is New Riff Malted Rye vs. two other 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond ryes buyers cross-shop — the distillery's own standard rye and Heaven Hill's benchmark. For the full New Riff Malted Rye tasting notes, see the nose, palate and finish breakdown above.

  New Riff Malted Rye New Riff BiB Straight Rye Rittenhouse Rye BiB
Mash bill 100% malted rye 95% rye, 5% malted rye 51% rye, 35% corn, 14% malted barley
Proof / ABV 100 proof / 50% 100 proof / 50% 100 proof / 50%
Age statement 6 years 4 years (min) 4 years (min)
Bottled-in-Bond Yes Yes Yes
Distillery New Riff (Newport, KY) New Riff (Newport, KY) Heaven Hill (Bardstown, KY)
Approx. price $55–$65 $40–$45 $25–$30

New Riff Malted Rye proof sits at the Bottled-in-Bond standard of 100 (50% ABV), the same strength as its rivals — but its all-malted-rye mash bill and 6-year age push it toward a softer, chewier, more elegant profile than the spicier 95%-rye standard New Riff or the corn-inclusive Rittenhouse. The New Riff Malted Rye price ($55–$65) reflects that step up in age and grain cost.

Is This For Me?

✅ You'll love this if…

You enjoy complex spice with a chewy, malt-forward character. Single malt fans and adventurous rye lovers will find this captivating.

⛔ Maybe skip if…

You prefer lighter, sweeter bourbons or straightforward rye — the 100% malted rye profile is distinctive and not for everyone.

Flavor Profile at a Glance

Sweetness

3
Rye Spice

8
Herbal / Mint

5
Fruit

6
Oak / Vanilla

4
Body

7
Heat

5
Finish Length

7

What It Tastes Like

👃

Nose

Cinnamon, nutmeg, hint of vanilla, brown sugar.

👅

Palate

Baking spice, honey, vanilla, hint of dried fruit, mint.

🔥

Finish

Long and warming, lingering baking spice, honey, fading into vanilla.

Best Ways to Enjoy

🥃

Neat

Highlights the elegant spice and unique malt complexity.

💧

With Water

Opens up the fruitier notes and softens the spice.

🧊

On Ice

Softens the spice for a smoother, more approachable sip.

🍹

Cocktail

Excellent Manhattan base — the malty depth adds a unique dimension.

Cocktail Scores

★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
💡 Pro Tip: Try a splash of water to open up the floral fruit and plum notes — the malted rye character really blooms with a little dilution.

Price & Value

$55 – $65
One of very few 100% malted rye whiskeys on the market

At $55–$65, New Riff Malted Rye is a genuine steal for what it delivers. Very few distilleries in America produce a 100% malted rye, and the 6-year age statement with Bottled-in-Bond designation and non-chill filtration puts it in premium territory. The elegant, refined character stands apart from typical rye whiskeys. Reviewers consistently call this a gem and one of the best values in craft rye.

Bottle Transparency

  • DistillerNew Riff Distilling, Newport, KY
  • Mashbill100% malted rye
  • Age6 years
  • Proof100 proof / 50% ABV (Bottled-in-Bond)
  • FiltrationNon-chill filtered
  • Barrel53-gallon new charred American oak
  • ColorNatural
  • SourcedNo — distilled and aged on-site

Our Full Review of New Riff Malted Rye

RC
RyeCentral Team
Rye Whiskey Reviewers — New Riff Distilling

New Riff Malted Rye is one of the most distinctive rye whiskeys in America. Crafted from a 100% malted rye mashbill — an extreme rarity in the industry — this Kentucky straight rye takes what you know about rye whiskey and transforms it. The malting process softens the typical rye punchiness, replacing it with an elegant, refined spice profile and a chewy, malt-forward texture that will remind single malt fans of their favorite Scotch expressions.

On the nose, floral fruit and powdered sugar greet you alongside oak, vanilla, and the intriguing notes of plum skin and pear. The palate is where the magic happens — saltwater taffy, fruits, and clove weave together with a distinctive toasty-malty character that's unlike any other American rye. At 100 proof and non-chill filtered (Bottled-in-Bond), the mouthfeel is plump and rounded — rich enough to coat every surface, elegant enough to keep you coming back for more.

The finish is long and focused — clove and pink peppercorn spice that lingers with precision and grace. For craft rye enthusiasts looking for something genuinely different, New Riff Malted Rye is a must-try. At $55–$65, it's one of the best values in American whiskey, and the 100% malted rye mashbill makes it a conversation piece for any collection. This is New Riff at their most innovative and accomplished.

Community Tasting Notes

4.4
Community Score
Based on 10 ratings

Top Reported Flavors

Baking Spice Honey Vanilla Dried Fruit Mint

Rating Distribution

5★

20%
4★

50%
3★

20%
2★

7%
1★

3%

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Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rare 100% malted rye mashbill
  • Elegant, refined spice profile
  • Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof, non-chill filtered
  • Excellent value at $55–$65

Cons

  • Distinctive profile not for all tastes
  • Limited regional availability
  • Low sweetness may disappoint bourbon fans
  • The malty character requires an open mind

Prefer bolder, spice-forward rye? Compare this elegant malted rye against New Riff's flagship New Riff Bottled in Bond Straight Rye — a 95% rye grain bill with more pepper and grain-forward punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

▸ What makes New Riff Malted Rye unique?
It's one of very few American whiskeys made from 100% malted rye grain. The malting process softens the typical rye spice, creating an elegant, refined character with a chewy malt texture.
▸ What does Bottled-in-Bond mean?
It must be aged at least 4 years, bottled at exactly 100 proof, produced in a single distilling season at one distillery. It's a mark of quality and authenticity.
▸ How does malted rye differ from regular rye?
Malting the rye grain involves soaking and germinating it, which converts starches to sugars and creates a softer, more refined flavor profile compared to raw rye's aggressive spice.
▸ Is New Riff Malted Rye good for cocktails?
It's excellent in Manhattans (4/5) and Old Fashioneds (4/5) where the malty depth adds a unique dimension. Less suited for lighter cocktails like Whiskey Sours.
▸ What is the New Riff Malted Rye price?
The New Riff Malted Rye price typically runs $55–$65 for a 750ml bottle, a premium among craft ryes. Availability is strongest in Kentucky, Ohio and specialty whiskey shops.
▸ What proof is New Riff Malted Rye?
New Riff Malted Rye proof is 100 (50% ABV), the exact strength required for its Bottled-in-Bond designation. It is a 6-year, 100% malted rye.
▸ How does it compare to standard New Riff Rye?
New Riff Malted Rye uses a 100% malted-rye mash bill with a 6-year age statement, versus the 95% rye / 5% malted rye and 4-year standard New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Rye. The malted version drinks softer and maltier; the standard is spicier and more affordable.
Disclaimer: RyeCentral does not sell alcohol. We publish independent rye whiskey reviews, ratings, and community tasting notes to help you choose a bottle to buy elsewhere. Every review follows our Community Score Pipeline — an eight-step process for producing accurate, unbiased content.
Last updated: March 26, 2026 — Kevin Lawton (Founder, RyeCentral)
Editorially reviewed for readability & clarity: April 14, 2026 — Dee Predvil (Editor, RyeCentral)
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