New Riff Distilling 6-Year Malted Rye “Riff Astley” Single Barrel Whiskey The Prime Barrel x Ohio Premium Pours Pick

The Prime Barrel returned to New Riff Distilling for our 6th private selection—this time securing one of the first cask-strength 100% malted rye single barrels.  For rye whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike, this is a rare opportunity to experience a distinctive evolution of New Riff’s signature style.

Our friends at New Riff always come through with outstanding barrels to choose from, and this visit was no exception.  This standout cask was selected from five uniquely expressive barrels.  Each barrel we sampled showcased dramatic flavor variation driven by rickhouse level and cooperage.  

Where a traditional New Riff 95% rye/5% malted rye leans into bold pepper, herbal intensity, and spice-forward character, this 100% malted rye shifts the profile—bringing a more layered, aromatic experience driven by floral citrus, soft stone fruit, and a rounder, sweeter mid-palate.  A low barrel entry proof of 110 allows the malted rye character to shine—building structure and depth without being overpowered by oak extraction.

This crowd-pleasing barrel was aged for 6 years, 4 months on the 5th floor in an ISC Char 4 barrel.  It is cask strength at 122.4 proof and delivers a floral and creamy nose, with orange peel up front on the palate, followed by candied ginger and dried apricot with a warm spiced vanilla backbone.  The finish lingers with citrus and cracked peppercorn, rounded out by butter-toffee richness and soft, well-integrated oak.

New Riff Malted Rye cask strength single barrels are a limited, one-of-a-kind release—available only through private selection.  Add this rare cask strength rye to your collection—or better yet, pour it blind for friends who think they don’t like rye. This might be the one that changes their mind.

Barrel Details:

• Barrel #23722
• Distilled:  12/2/2019 by New Riff
• Age:  6 years, 4 months
• Mashbill: 100% Malted Rye
• Barrel Entry Proof:  110 proof
• Proof: 122.4 proof

Tasting Notes:

• Nose:  Orange blossom, hint of potpourri, caramelized sugar, vanilla buttercream, fresh peach
• Palate:  Orange peel, candied ginger, dried apricot, spiced vanilla
• Finish:  Citrus, cracked peppercorn, warm spice, butter-toffee, soft oak