New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (Caskers Staff Pick)

I. Overview & Brand Background

• New Riff Distilling, based in Newport, Kentucky, was founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis and a team, with aims to be one of the notable small craft distilleries, emphasizing high‑rye mash bills, non‑GMO grains, sour mash, non chill filtration, and doing things the “right way.” (Caskers)

• The Single Barrel Bourbon is part of their core bourbon expressions. It is a Bottled‑in‑Bond product (which under U.S. federal law has to meet certain criteria) and is known for being bottled without chill filtration. (Caskers)

• Caskers is a retailer that offers “Caskers Staff Pick” versions of certain bottles; the “New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (Caskers Staff Pick)” is one such listing. The staff‑pick tag usually implies that the particular barrel selected for that listing met criteria the retailer believes worthwhile (flavor, balance, etc.). (Caskers)

II. Technical Specifications & Production Details

Here are the confirmed specs, plus common attributes:

III. Flavor & Tasting Profile

Below are common sensory impressions, broken into nose, palate, finish, plus variations reported by reviewers.

Nose / Aroma

• Dominant notes of butterscotch, vanilla, oak, and rye spice. (New Riff)

• Some bottles show fruit or red/black berries, light caramel, sometimes mild menthol or mint accent (from rye). (Flaviar)

• Oak and baking spice often present. Mild ethanol heat depending on proof. (thewhiskyknights.com)

Palate / Flavor

• Sweet entrance: caramel, brown sugar, vanilla. Then comes rye spice (clove, cinnamon, pepper) building into the mid‑palate. (Caskers)

• Some fruity edges: red berries, dark fruit, or “brambly” fruit in some barrels. (New Riff)

• Oak influence can be strong; some dryness or tannins appear, especially in the finish. (Reddit)

Finish

• The finish tends to be medium to long, with lingering rye spice, oak, and fruit. (New Riff)

• Some bottles are described as having heat in the finish (especially at higher proof) that fades. Others are smoother. (Reddit)

• Vanilla, clove, white pepper, and dark berry or red berry notes linger. (Caskers)

IV. What People Also Ask — FAQs & Answers

Here are common questions people search about New Riff Single Barrel (especially in relation to the Caskers Staff Pick or general Single Barrel series), with answers based on what’s known.

1. What is the proof of New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon?

   • It varies barrel to barrel. The Caskers Staff Pick is listed at 110 proof (≈ 55% ABV). (Caskers)

   • Other single barrel picks may be slightly higher or lower, depending on the barrel. (Reddit)

2. How old is New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon?

   • Many barrels are aged at least 4 years. (New Riff)

   • New Riff is also introducing 6‑year options in its single barrel program. (craftspiritsmag.com)

3. What is the mash bill of New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon?

   • Confirmed: 65% corn / 30% rye / 5% malted barley. (New Riff)

4. Is New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon bottled in bond / chill filtered?

   • Yes, it is Bottled‑in‑Bond (at least some picks are). The Caskers Staff Pick listing mentions Bottled‑in‑Bond. (Caskers)

   • It is also bottled without chill filtration. That is standard for New Riff’s Single Barrel Bourbon. (New Riff)

5. How does New Riff Single Barrel compare to other bourbons (value, flavor, age)?

   • Many reviewers say it performs very well for a 4‑year bourbon, offering flavor complexity, good proof, and strong spice/oak/vanilla mix. (Nice Sipper)

   • Some find the finish or mid‑palate less deep compared to older bourbons; also variation by barrel. (Bourbon Inspector)

6. Is New Riff Single Barrel worth the price?

   • If you can get it near its expected price point (roughly US$50‑60 depending on market), many reviewers believe it offers good value given its proof, flavor, and craft distilling pedigree. (Flaviar)

   • If heavily marked up or in markets with import premium, value declines. Also, some barrels are better than others; picking a good barrel helps.

7. How should you drink it / serve it?

   • Neat to start, letting the aromas open in the glass. Maybe rest it a few minutes.

   • Some suggest adding a few drops of water to lower the heat and open oak & vanilla/spice notes. (thewhiskyknights.com)

   • Because of its proof and flavor profile, it’s also possible to use it in robust cocktails, though many prefer to enjoy it neat or with light dilution.

8. Where is New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon produced / distributed?

   • Distilled in Kentucky, USA, at the New Riff Distilling facility. (New Riff)

   • Distribution is still expanding; some markets don’t carry it widely. Some picks (private or staff picks) are limited in number. (Nice Sipper)

V. In‑Depth Review & Variations

Here are more detailed impressions and how different barrels / markets / picks vary.

• Some Single Barrel picks are bottled at significantly higher proof (barrel proof), which brings extra intensity, but also more “heat” that some find aggressive. (Reddit)

• There’s noticeable variation in color, aroma, and finish depending on barrel number, rickhouse (where stored), and proof. One barrel may feel more oak‑dominated; another more fruit/spice. (Reddit)

• Some users say that New Riff Single Barrel “drinks older than it is”—the oak maturity, spice, and mouthfeel are more advanced than what many expect for a 4‑year bourbon. (Reddit)

• Others say the finish is the weak spot: after a strong palate, the finish sometimes “falls away” or becomes tannic or dry too soon. (Reddit)

VI. Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

1. Flavor complexity relative to age — For a 4‑year bourbon, many barrels deliver outstanding oak, spice, vanilla, rye heat, fruit: the mash bill and barrel selection help.

2. High proof / Bottled‑in‑Bond + no chill filtration — This preserves more flavor, congeners, and gives more character.

3. Value — Many reviewers feel the Caskers Staff Pick and other single barrel picks give more bang for the buck than many similarly priced bourbons.

4. Brand integrity & transparency — New Riff is open about mash bill, methods, age, and their single barrel program; that builds trust.

5. Unique barrel-to-barrel experiences — If you care about exploring differences, the single barrel program is great. Good for enthusiasts.

Weaknesses / Limitations

1. Barrel variability — Because each barrel is unique, the consistency isn’t perfect. Some bottles less impressive.

2. Youth — Even if they age well, 4 years is not old; oak influence, depth may not match older bourbons.

3. Heat / proof challenge — For some, high proof means some rough edges; drinking neat may be demanding until it opens up.

4. Finish may be less memorable — Some users report that after sweet or spicy palate, finish fades faster or becomes a bit one‑note.

5. Distribution & price markup — In regions distant from Kentucky or import markets, price inflations reduce value.

VII. Conclusion

Overall, New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (Caskers Staff Pick) is a strong bourbon choice, especially for those who enjoy craft bourbons, higher proof, flavorful whiskey with some bite and depth. It does many things well:

• The mash bill (65/30/5) gives a spicy backbone with rye and malted barley balancing corn sweetness.

• Bottling without chill filtration ensures more flavor compounds are retained.

• Proof often high enough to deliver presence but (for many barrels) not so aggressive as to be off‑putting.

• Encouraging value: for price points typical ($50‑$60 in many U.S. markets), many consider it excellent.

That said, it is not perfect. For some drinkers, the youth shows; the finish may not always be robust; proof may be rough for casual sipping. The single barrel nature means you may want to sample or research a specific barrel (or picks with good reputation) rather than assuming consistency.

If I were making recommendations:

• If you find the Caskers Staff Pick at or near reasonable price, it’s worth buying.

• Let it sit in the glass; give it time to open up. Perhaps add a few drops of water if the proof is very high or you find it sharp.

• If you prefer more mellow, older bourbons, or lower proof, this may not fully satisfy that palate.