Ol' New Riff Rye Whiskey

Open 6 months Nose - Sweet cereal grain, salted peanuts, grilled peach, clove, allspice, light oak, and light ethanol. Palate - Honeynut Cheerios, peanut brittle, peach cobbler, praline, milk chocolate, and pine syrup. Finish is medium with dry grain, honeycomb, light bitter oak, clove, white pepper, and light ethanol. These New Riff seasonal releases are really fun, and this might be my favorite of the last two years. Normally, I try them at the bar before buying, but I took a leap on this blind. It's different from your average rye, even most of New Riff's ryes. I typically don't like a grain-forward whiskey, but it works well here with the honey and pine notes. The short and dry finish keeps this score at 4, but it's still a great value. If you happen to stop by New Riff, I highly recommend trying a sample.