New Riff Winter Whiskey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Made with Malted Oat and Chocolate Malt

New Riff Winter Whiskey shows exactly how far a Kentucky bourbon can lean into comfort without losing its edge. Built as a seasonal straight bourbon, it uses a creative mash bill of corn, malted oats, and chocolate malted barley. Everything ages at least four years in new charred oak, then bottles at 100 proof under bottled-in-bond rules for clarity and structure.

The first impression comes from the aroma, and it lands like walking into a warm bakery on a cold morning.
Cocoa powder, toasted oats, and vanilla cream rise over caramel, brown sugar, and a gentle hint of orange peel. A little roasted coffee, baking spice, and grainy sweetness sit underneath, giving the whiskey a distinctly “winter pantry” personality that still reads as bourbon first.

On the palate, the malted oat brings a creamy, almost latte-like texture that softens the proof without muting flavor. Milk chocolate, toffee, and honeyed grain come forward, followed by cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle char that keeps everything grounded. The chocolate malted barley shows as hot cocoa mix and roasted malt, while a light citrus note and dry oak keep the sweetness from drifting into syrup.
A short rest in the glass lets the whiskey stretch out, trading some initial heat for deeper layers of spice and chocolate.

The finish settles into warm, steady territory. Cocoa, toasted oat, vanilla, and gentle oak linger on the tongue, with a slow fade of baking spice down the chest. It feels very much like a fireside bourbon: unhurried, quietly rich, and easy to reach for when temperatures dip and everything outside goes gray.

Nose: Cocoa powder, toasted oat, and vanilla custard lead, backed by caramel, brown sugar, and a little orange zest.
Hints of roasted coffee, baking spice, and fresh grain add warmth and depth without turning heavy or overly woody.

Palate: Creamy and medium-plus in body, the palate shows milk chocolate, toffee, and honeyed corn wrapped around cinnamon and nutmeg. Malted oat gives a plush feel, while chocolate malt brings roasted malt and hot-cocoa notes over measured oak and a light citrus edge.

Finish: Medium-long, leaning into cocoa, toasted oak, and soft baking spice. Lingering vanilla, oat sweetness, and a gentle dry snap of char stay on the palate, keeping each sip satisfying and tidy.

Winter Whiskey loves cozy, hearty dishes with a little caramelization.

Pair it with braised short ribs, roast chicken with herb butter, or maple-glazed pork chops where browned edges echo the bourbon’s caramel and spice.

On the snack side, try sharp cheddar, aged gouda, or a slice of nutty alpine cheese alongside toasted nuts.

For dessert, reach for hot chocolate with a dark-chocolate square, spice cake with cream cheese frosting, or cinnamon-sugar doughnuts to mirror its cocoa, baking spice, and vanilla notes.