New Riff Sherry Finished Malted Rye Whiskey is made from 100% malted rye grain. It was initially aged five years before finishing for one year in oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Spanish sherry casks. Bottled without chill filtration at a cask strength of 56.35% ABV, this limited-edition six-year-old release hosts a suggested retail price of $64.99.
As it stands, this bottle just barely misses the mark to earn a “great” rating. However, for the first time in a while, I will admit that this Whiskey Riff release is a bottle that is well worth the asking price (around $70) and more.
The rye spice is unusually a bit more prominent than in the original, with black pepper and clove popping on the mid-palate and segueing to a generous finish of cooked red fruits, some mild oaky astringency, and lingering notes of tobacco and cherry juice.
The malted grain then makes its presence felt in the form of dark chocolates. The finish is rich and lengthy, with cocoa powder, raspberry syrup, baking spices, and barrel char.
That cinnamon spice is more of a contender on the palate, as Big Red gum and Red Hots take over before giving way to chocolate and dried fruit, an indicator of the port cask influence (if you didn't discern that from the deep amber color alone). A fiery finish takes this one home.