Recently, we cracked open New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye — a bottle that multiple friends had been nudging us about for months. And honestly? We hesitated. Anytime someone says, “You have to try this, it’s so minty!” there’s always that moment of doubt. Mint in whiskey can be magical… or it can taste like someone dissolved a cough drop in your Glencairn.

But New Riff? They don’t do half measures. And the second this hit the glass, we knew we were dealing with a serious rye — spicy, aromatic, and unapologetically itself.

This is a 100% rye mashbill — 95% rye plus 5% malted rye — a little tribute to the legendary MGP 95/5 formula, except New Riff looked at that iconic mashbill and said, “Cool. Let’s make it even more rye.”

And the result? Something bold, mint-heavy, deeply Kentucky, and absolutely built for people who love real-deal rye whiskey.

Right away, the nose hits with classic rye swagger: pepper, anise, spearmint, eucalyptus, caramel sweetness, and this dusty oak note that reminds you it’s still a Kentucky product at heart.

But here’s where the conflict kicks in — you smell all that mint and instantly wonder:

“Is this going to punch me in the face, or take me somewhere interesting?”

Good news: It does both.

The spice is big. The mint is bigger. And yet… it stays strangely rounded and approachable for 100 proof.

Right on the palate, the rye spice lights up — cinnamon, white pepper, a little caramel, toasted oak — but the real star is the mint. Not “hint of mint.” Not “refreshing mint.” We’re talking peppermint candy canes dipped in caramel, with a cooling menthol wash that lingers long after the sip.

It’s sweet. It’s spicy. It’s herbal. It’s earthy. And it’s got enough personality to stand out in a world where rye is getting more and more competitive.

This is the kind of bottle that makes you think, “Yep. New Riff did exactly what New Riff does best — took tradition and gave it their own edge.”

“New Riff Rye is a minty freight train wrapped in caramel and oak — bold, refreshing, and proof that 100% rye can still surprise you.”

Use it everywhere. It’s accurate.

New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye is a bold, full-bodied 100% rye expression crafted from a mashbill of 95% rye and 5% malted rye. Bottled in bond, aged 4 years, and barreled in toasted and charred new American oak, it showcases classic rye character amplified by layers of peppermint, caramel, spice, toasted oak, and herbal complexity. With its signature mint-forward profile and warming finish, this rye offers a modern interpretation of Old Kentucky tradition while delivering the punchy, expressive notes rye lovers crave.

50% ABV / 100 Proof

Deep amber with bright golden edges.

Pepper, mint, anise, eucalyptus, caramel, dusty oak, and subtle dill.

Peppermint, spearmint, caramel, white and black pepper, earthy rye tones, toasted oak, cinnamon, and a cooling menthol sensation.

Medium to long; sweet peppermint, menthol, vanilla, brown sugar, light char, and butterscotch.

$45–$50

4 years

If you’re the kind of drinker who loves the spectrum of rye — the spice, the mint, the herbaceous bite — New Riff Rye is a bottle you should experience firsthand.

On The Bar Book, you can track whether your flavor fingerprint matches it, compare it against similar bottles, and see drinkers who share your palate. It’s drink matching for real people — the Vivino for spirits, the Spotify for alcohol, and the easiest way to build personalized recommendations based on what you actually enjoy.

👉 Explore New Riff Rye on The Bar Book

Where Flavor Meets Story.
Tasted and Reviewed by The Bar Book Team.
https://thebarbook.app

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