Review: New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey 2025
When it comes to bourbon, Kentucky reigns supreme. The Bluegrass State is the undisputed gold standard for quality bourbon—fittingly, also home to the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. But while Kentucky holds firm to its bourbon legacy, other states are staking claims in different corners of the American whiskey landscape. Indiana and Maryland are emerging as leaders in rye whiskey, while Colorado and the Pacific Northwest are becoming hubs for the rapidly growing American single malt category.
Kentucky may not be known for single malt—at least not yet—but that may be more a matter of focus than potential. With its deep distilling expertise and ideal aging conditions, the question isn’t whether Kentucky can make great single malt, but whether it’s finally ready to try. Quietly challenging expectations is Lexington’s Town Branch, which boasts some of the most mature American single malts on the market, with several expressions aged over 10 years.
Further north, New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky, has taken a bold and unconventional path. Known for buying more rye grain than corn—a rarity among American distilleries—New Riff has also been quietly laying down experimental single malt since its early days. In May 2025, the distillery released its third edition of New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey with lot code 25.3.6.6, an expression that continues to evolve with each release.
The 2025 edition is a marriage of innovation and patience, aged 7 to 10 years and finished in six distinct cask types: new charred oak, de-charred toasted oak, de-charred and re-charred oak, Madeira, Oloroso Sherry, and French oak red wine barrels from Taransaud cooperage. After these unique maturations, the whiskey was re-barreled into used oak for additional aging—marking the first time New Riff has employed this finishing process.
Crafted from 100% malted barley, the bottle features a trio of barley types: 41% Maris Otter, 18% heavily smoked Scottish peated malt, and 41% from a barleywine-inspired grain bill drawn from classic beer recipes. Fermentation lasted 72 hours, beginning at 68°F and allowed to free-rise to 90°F, where it was held until completion. The distillate initially came off the still at 120 proof, with the doubler raising it to 135 proof. New Riff then entered the spirit into barrels at a conservative 110 proof.
Drinkhacker reviewed New Riff’s single malt releases in both 2023 and 2024, noting the brand’s promising entry into the American single malt category. With more age on the whiskey and more experience under its belt, New Riff returns in 2025 with its most ambitious release yet. So how does the third edition measure up? Let’s make a beeline to the bottle. The 2025 release will first be available at New Riff Distilling, part of Northern Kentucky’s B-Line.
New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey 2025 Review
The Spring 2025 release opens with a captivating nosing experience of campfire smoke and the richness of a Terry’s Dark Chocolate Orange. Toasted walnuts and figs soon follow, offering a weighty aromatic profile. It’s a nose that commands attention—robust yet composed—worthy of time and appreciation before the first sip.
On the palate, the whiskey continues its confident stride. Bold notes of espresso and toasted chestnuts lead the way, followed by the interplay of malted milk balls and juicy raisins. The mouthfeel is notably dense and satisfying, reinforcing the sense of depth without overwhelming. The finish offers a lively burst of orange zest, followed by waves of raisin, boysenberry, and a touch of mild tobacco.
While the 2023 and 2024 editions were thoughtfully crafted and highly enjoyable, the 2025 release ascends to another tier. Every barrel in this batch has seen at least 7 years of maturation, with several reaching 8 to 10 years. That added time in casks brings clarity and distinction, elevating this release well above its lesser-aged predecessors. The 2025 New Riff Single Malt is easily among the most compelling American single malts I’ve tasted in the last year. If you find it priced around its $70 MSRP, it’s an excellent pickup—one that overdelivers in every way.
115.2 proof
A / $70 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
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