Malted Rye Whiskey Sherry Cask Finish from New Riff

New Riff Sherry Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Malted Rye hails from Newport, Kentucky, showcasing a bold American take on malted rye whiskey with a distinctly global influence. Crafted from a 100% malted rye mashbill and aged for at least six years, it is finished in Spanish Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, then bottled at barrel proof without chill filtration at 55.95% ABV, preserving its full intensity and texture.

The nose opens slowly with dark fruits, buttery sherry-soaked oak, walnut skin, and lifted rye spice layered with a touch of vanilla, evolving beautifully with a splash of water. On the palate, it is full-bodied and broad, starting savory and surprisingly dry before expanding into rich, sappy sherry notes backed by malty grain and integrated oak. The finish delivers a late burst of clove, subtle menthol, wood spice, and vivid fruit skin, making it equally compelling neat, with water to lean into the sherry, or slightly diluted to let the rye shine through.