Howdy, Junior’s Bourbon Hall. While in Covington, KY decided to head up to New Riff Distillery to get the new Winter Whiskey release. Figured if I was in town why not pop in and grab a limited bottle from the distillery. The email I received states that there are only 3 bottles per person. (Note: Did not read all the email.) Also last year a new bar was being constructed so we didn’t get to view or experience that. Knock two things out at once.
Headed over to New Riff and first stopped at The Party Store. The fun fact is the owner of the party store sold it to the employees to have the cash and follow the rules to own and start New Riff. Walk around and this place is massive and has a cigar shop which has a walk-in humidor within the large walk-in humidor. Grab a few cigars and then walk over to New Riff.
I was excited to get this winter whiskey. The following is stated by New Riff in an email that I received. “Inspired by the bold flavors of chocolate oatmeal stouts from our distillers’’ brewing roots. Winter Whiskey is a one-of-a-kind bourbon. Made with a blend of raw and malted oats, it delivers a unique profile of spicy oat notes, roasted cocoa from the chocolate malt, and smooth oak, offering a rich and distinctive flavor that sets it apart from the rest of the lineup.”
2024 Winter Whiskey Mash bill
65% Corn
20% Malted Oats
7% Pale Ale Malt
5% Steel Cut Raw Oats
3% Chocolate Malt
Bottled in Bond without Chill filtration
Aged 4 Years
100 Proof
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Forward and well-oaked emergent dark cocoa; water adds a mélange of dry cocoa notes and a unique spicy quality. This is all from New Riff. Read on to find out why I can’t give you, my notes.
Palate:
Lovely dryness with a sweeter inner core, surprisingly delicate, and the dry cocoa jousts with oak and that unusual spice. (Again, I can’t tell you if this is true or not)
That all sounded awesome, and I was really looking forward to this bottle. This is also where I stopped reading the email. I was excited to get the bottle.
Walk in and wander around the gift shop for about 10 minutes looking at all the other bourbon and rye they have available. I thought it was strange that there was no special signage or propaganda out and about. Decided to ask the lady at the front desk. Hey, do you have the new release out? A strange look on her face and she asked which one. Well, I stumbled around a bit and stated the winter whiskey. This is when she stated it will be released on Black Friday, and it was Tuesday before Black Friday. I had a dumbfounded face and asked if it was distributed yet. She stated yes, across the river. For those of you that don’t know New Riff sits on the Ohio River straight across from Cincinnati. There is also a small river that heads north and south, and I crossed it to get to New Riff. Well, I am dumb enough to ask which river. Boy, she had a look. She pointed slowly to Ohio and stated the one right outside. After that I decided to stop talking and walk upstairs to get a bourbon flight.
The Aquifer
The first item on the agenda couldn’t get. So, onto the second. Headed to the bar upstairs called The Aquifer. Walk in and see a nice large horseshoe bar and tables around the outside. There is even a back private room. On one side there is a large round table that seats 10 plus. Outside there is a nice large deck area on both sides of the bar. Bit chilly out so we sat at the bar. There is all the bourbon New Riff has distilled and a book for you to choose flights or pick which bourbon you want to try. Since we were there for the winter whiskey we asked if they had any of 2023 Winter Whiskey available. They did and grabbed a couple of ounces. Now this flavor hits you with Christmas. Allspice, chocolate, anise, and clove. The taste was warm and inviting with little to no Kentucky Hug. This is something I could sip on with a great cigar and forget about the Wisconsin weather.
2023 Winter Whisky Mash bill
65% Corn
20% Malted Oats
7% Pale Ale Malt
5% Steel Cut Oats
3% Chocolate Malt
Bottled in Bond without chill filtration
100 Proof
Aged 4 years
The trip to New Riff was fun and adventurous and glad we made the trip. Sad that I didn’t get the bottle I went for but, very pleased with getting to taste the 2023 version. Going hunting for the 2024 bottle in hopes of snagging a bottle. If you have a bottle and have tried it leave a comment to compare it with.
Thanks
Junior
