As we approach the winter season, I find myself reaching for a warming glass of whiskey to enjoy on those chilly evenings. Recently, I came across an intriguing seasonal release called New Riff Winter Whiskey Bottled in Bond. Intrigued by its unique mash bill and experimental appeal, I decided to dive into this bourbon to provide my fellow whiskey enthusiasts with a review.
photo credit: www.newriffdistilling.com
Table of Contents
New Riff Winter Whiskey Bottled in Bond Overview
Product History
New Riff Winter Whiskey is a seasonal release, highlighting the experience of the team at New Riff who come from a brewing background. With head distiller Brian Sprance at the helm, they’ve crafted this 4-5 year old whiskey by using a blend of oats and barley, instead of the traditional rye or wheat.
Inspired by chocolate oatmeal stout, New Riff Winter Whiskey has a captivating recipe, consisting primarily of corn, malted oats, pale ale malt, steel-cut raw oats, and chocolate malt. Aged at least four years, this bourbon boasts a bottled-in-bond label, which means it adheres to strict quality standards and regulations.
Price Range
For those considering purchasing this bourbon, the retail price for a 750ml bottle is within an affordable range of $50-$60, making it an appealing option for whiskey lovers. Although it’s a seasonal release, if you happen to come across it, don’t hesitate to give it a try, as it has received positive reviews from whiskey aficionados.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
As I took in the aroma of New Riff Winter Whiskey, I noticed a blend of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate, which was truly intriguing. Alongside these sweet notes, I picked up on some fruity scents, such as orange and cherry, combined with subtle hints of clove, cinnamon, and orange peel. I also detected an earthy aroma with some barrel char and a little touch of licorice. Overall, it was a delightful and inviting nose.
Flavor
Upon tasting this bottled in bond bourbon, I was met with a rich and flavorful experience. Front and center were the delectable tastes of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate that I had caught in the aroma. Additionally, there was a lovely balance of fruity and spicy flavors, including orange, cherry, clove, and cinnamon. These were followed by more subtle notes of orange peel, earth, barrel char, and licorice. What surprised me was a hint of maple syrup, adding to the delightful sweetness of this whiskey.
Finish
In terms of finish, I found the New Riff Winter Whiskey to have a satisfying conclusion. The dryness and lingering warmth left a pleasant aftertaste, encouraging me to take another sip. The flavors of chocolate, orange peel, and earth seemed to become more pronounced during the finish, rounding out the overall tasting experience.
Rating
After considering the aroma, flavor, and finish of New Riff Winter Whiskey, I would rate it 8 out of 10. The unique combination of sweet, fruity, and spicy notes works harmoniously, making it a memorable and enjoyable whiskey to savor.
Mixing and Pairing
As a fan of New Riff Winter Whiskey Bottled in Bond, I’ve found that it offers a unique flavor profile that I enjoy experimenting with, especially when it comes to mixing and pairing. In this section, I will cover the best mixers, cocktail suggestions, and food pairings to help you make the most out of this exceptional bourbon.
Best Mixers
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When it comes to mixers, I personally think that the rich flavors of this bourbon pair well with:
- Orange peel: The citrus notes bring out the brightness in the whiskey.
- Cinnamon: This spice complements the bourbon’s natural warmth.
- Clove: Enhances the whiskey’s complex flavors.
- Vanilla: Adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess.
Cocktail Suggestions
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The unique blend of flavors in New Riff Winter Whiskey makes it an ideal base for some delicious cocktails. Here are a few of my suggestions:
- Winter Whiskey Sour: Mix bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.
- Winter Old Fashioned: In a glass, muddle an orange slice and a cherry with a teaspoon of sugar. Add bourbon, a few dashes of bitters, and ice. Stir, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
- Hot Chocolate Oatmeal Stout: Warm up some chocolate oatmeal stout in a pot, then add bourbon and a splash of milk chocolate liqueur. Serve in a mug topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Food Pairings
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When enjoying New Riff Winter Whiskey, I like to pair it with dishes that complement its rich and unique flavors. Here are some food pairings that I believe work well:
- Dark chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate accentuates the whiskey’s chocolate malt notes.
- Milk chocolate: A smoother option that pairs well with the bourbon’s inherent sweetness.
- Charcuterie: Cured meats, aged cheeses, and salty snacks provide a savory contrast to the whiskey.
- Spiced desserts: Treats with flavors such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg can enhance the bourbon’s warm, comforting undertones.
By following these recommendations, you’re sure to find a perfect pairing or cocktail to enjoy alongside your New Riff Winter Whiskey Bottled in Bond. Happy experimenting!
Conclusion
The Winter Whiskey carries an essence of friendliness, perfect for sharing during a chilly winter night and bonding with friends and family around a warm fire. Overall, it’s a unique bourbon that deserves a place in any whiskey enthusiast’s collection. So, if you’re looking for something new and interesting to try, I’d recommend giving the New Riff Winter Whiskey a sample. You might just find a new favorite!
Related Posts
For more information on other interesting whiskey-related topics, I recommend the following articles:
- Inchdairnie goes back to the future with first release: I enjoyed reading about InchDairnie Distillery’s innovative intentions, as they will be releasing a groundbreaking ‘rye whisky’ called Ryelaw.
- Dewar’s 25 on the tasting table !: In this post, I got a chance to learn about the newest addition to the Dewar’s portfolio, a 25-year-old whiskey.
- Benromach unveils Château Cissac Wood Finish 2009: It was interesting to see the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd expanding their Wood Finish portfolio with the Chateau Cissac Wood Finish 2009.
- An inside look into the most picturesque Scotch Whisky distillery: As a whiskey enthusiast, I enjoyed exploring one of the most picturesque distilleries in Scotland through this article.
- Whisky in 2018: a stargazer perspective: This post provides a great overview of the whiskey industry from a stargazer’s perspective, highlighting the positives and challenges faced in 2017 and the outlook for 2018.
