Journey back to the roots of American whiskey with New Riff's Bottled-in-Bond Balboa Rye, a remarkable spirit crafted from a nearly forgotten heirloom grain. This highly sought-after, limited-release rye is a shining example of New Riff's creative "riffs" on old traditions, offering a flavor profile that is profoundly unique and historically significant. For those looking to experience the cutting edge of heritage whiskey, you can find this exceptional bottle through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
New Riff has painstakingly revived Balboa rye, a smaller, lower-yield grain popular in the 1940s, working with a local farmer to bring it back to the world of distillation. The result is a rye whiskey that stands apart from its modern counterparts, offering a distinctive fruit-forward character balanced by delicate spice. As with all New Riff whiskeys, it proudly adheres to the strict standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act and is presented non-chill filtered to preserve every molecule of flavor.
Key Specifications:
Product: New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Balboa Rye
Mash Bill: 95% Heirloom Balboa Rye, 5% Malted Rye
Proof | ABV: 100 Proof | 50% ABV
Age: Minimum 4 Years
Distillery: New Riff Distilling, Newport, KY
Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered
Brand History: A New Riff on an Old Tradition
Founded in 2014 in Newport, Kentucky—the gateway to bourbon country—New Riff Distilling was built on a foundation of deep respect for tradition coupled with a fierce spirit of innovation. While many new distilleries rush products to market, New Riff made a bold commitment from day one: every whiskey they produce would meet the exacting, century-old standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. This dedication to quality, transparency, and age is at the core of their philosophy. The Balboa Rye project is a perfect embodiment of their mission, exploring new frontiers of flavor by looking to the agricultural past of American spirits.
Tasting Notes: A Uniquely Fruity & Spiced Rye
The heirloom Balboa rye grain imparts a truly singular tasting experience, distinct from New Riff's flagship rye:
Nose: A vibrant and fruity bouquet. Notes of spiced red fruit compote, lemon poppyseed cake, and grape jelly mingle with waxy, honeyed undertones and a hint of classic rye bread.
Palate: The high rye content delivers a surprisingly sweet and full-bodied palate. Flavors of fig cookies, vanilla ice cream, and spiced orange lead the way, followed by a chewy texture and hints of clove and horehound candy. It’s a rye that can almost fool you into thinking it’s a low-rye bourbon with its fruity sweetness.
Finish: A long and detailed finish where the spice finally takes center stage. Lingering notes of pink peppercorn, wintergreen, and warming baking spice provide a satisfying and memorable conclusion.
Why You'll Love Balboa Rye:
A Taste of History: This is a rare opportunity to taste a whiskey made from an heirloom grain that hasn't been widely distilled in decades.
Bottled-in-Bond Integrity: Adherence to the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act guarantees a spirit of exceptional quality, age, and authenticity, produced entirely at a single distillery in a single season.
Unique Flavor Profile: Balboa Rye is noticeably different from modern rye whiskeys, with a pronounced fruitiness that balances its spicy backbone.
Non-Chill Filtered: By forgoing chill filtration, New Riff ensures the whiskey retains its full body, texture, and depth of flavor.
A Collector's "Riff": As one of New Riff's first and most acclaimed specialty releases, Balboa Rye is a highly anticipated and collectible bottle for any whiskey enthusiast.
New Riff's Balboa Rye is more than just a whiskey; it's a revival of American agricultural heritage in a bottle. Contact Nestor Liquor to inquire about securing this unique and limited-edition rye today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is Balboa Rye?
A: Balboa rye is an heirloom variety of rye grain that was popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in Indiana. It is a smaller grain than modern rye varieties and nearly disappeared before New Riff and their farming partner began cultivating it specifically for whiskey production.
Q: How is this different from New Riff's standard rye whiskey?
While both are Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof with a 95% rye mash bill, the key difference is the grain itself. The use of heirloom Balboa rye instead of modern rye results in a noticeably more fruit-forward and less aggressively spicy flavor profile.
Q: What does "Bottled-in-Bond" mean?
A: It is a U.S. government designation that guarantees a spirit's quality and authenticity. The whiskey must be the product of a single distillery from a single season, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof.
Q: Is New Riff Balboa Rye a limited release?
Yes, due to the scarcity of the heirloom Balboa grain, this is a limited annual release that is highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts and often sells out quickly.
Q: What is the best way to enjoy Balboa Rye?
Given its unique and complex flavor profile, it is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to fully appreciate the nuances imparted by the heirloom grain. It also makes for an exceptionally fruity and interesting Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
Q: Where can I purchase New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Balboa Rye?
This is a highly allocated product. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability.
