New Riff Kentucky Straight 100% Malted Rye Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks

Sherry-soaked malted rye rarely feels this alive. New Riff Kentucky Straight 100% Malted Rye Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks takes their already expressive malted rye and dials up texture, richness, and drama. 

Each sip lands with confidence, then unfurls layers of fruit, spice, and glowing oak.

The bones of this whiskey matter. It spends at least six years in new charred oak, then rests in oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks before bottling at 111.9 proof. 

That combination turns the already plush malted rye into something denser, darker, and more savory without losing New Riff’s signature grain clarity. 

The mood here leans decadent and savory. Think dark cherries and stewed plums woven through buttery sherry oak, toasted walnuts, cocoa powder, and a steady undercurrent of herbal rye spice. 

It drinks like a bridge between bold American rye and lush sherry-matured malt, built for slow evenings and focused pours.

Nose: Starts deep and deliberate.
Dark berries, stewed stone fruit, and orange peel mingle with buttery sherry oak, walnut shell, vanilla taffy, cherry cola, and a lift of spearmint. With a splash of water, more orchard fruit and gentle floral tones creep forward around the edges.

Palate: The palate arrives broad and muscular.
Dry spice and toasted grain hit first, then waves of honeyed sherry, roasted walnuts, plums, dark chocolate, and sticky toffee roll across the tongue. The malted rye keeps everything silky and cohesive, even at barrel strength.

Finish: The finish runs long and colorful.
Cocoa powder, raspberry syrup, clove, menthol, and lingering wood spice fan out slowly, leaving behind fruit skins and a subtle charred edge.

A few drops of water pull even more sherry fruit and baking spice into focus.

Rich, savory dishes love this whiskey.

Pair it with seared duck breast, mushroom risotto, or slow-braised short ribs, where the sherry sweetness can play against umami and rendered fat.

The rye spice slices through richness while the malt and sherry echo roasted, caramelized flavors on the plate.

Cheese and dessert pairings shine here.
Try aged Gouda, blue cheese with honey, or a flourless chocolate torte, letting the whiskey’s dark fruit and cocoa knit everything together.

For a late-night indulgence, it holds its own alongside a nutty cigar without getting buried.