Bourbon Lens Reviews New Riff Balboa Rye:
At The Bourbon Lens, we’re always on the lookout for whiskeys that punch above their weight and signal where the industry might be headed next. In a recent episode, Jake Lewellen sat down with a pour of New Riff Balboa Rye, and it quickly became clear this release is more than just another rye—it’s a statement.
First Impressions
From the moment the glass is poured, Balboa Rye sets an inviting tone. The nose opens with a creamy and fruit-forward character, offering a softer, more rounded aromatic profile than many traditional high-rye expressions. Instead of sharp spice dominating immediately, there’s an approachable sweetness that draws you in.
This initial impression makes it an excellent rye for both seasoned whiskey drinkers and those still exploring the category.
Tasting Notes
On the palate, New Riff Balboa Rye 95.5 delivers a well-balanced experience:
- Nose: Creamy fruit, subtle sweetness, and gentle rye character
- Palate: Sugary citrus notes layered with classic rye pepper spice
- Finish: Clean, balanced, and satisfying without overpowering heat
The interplay between sweetness and spice is where this rye really shines. It manages to stay true to rye whiskey’s bold nature while maintaining an elegance that keeps each sip enjoyable.
Why Balboa Rye Stands Out
What makes this release notable isn’t just how it tastes—it’s what it represents. New Riff continues to lean into innovation, experimenting with mash bills and rye varietals while also showing confidence in releasing whiskey with older age statements. That combination of creativity and patience is something the broader bourbon and rye market is craving.
Balboa Rye feels intentional. It’s not rushed, not gimmicky, and not trying to chase trends. Instead, it reflects a distillery that understands its identity and is willing to push boundaries responsibly.
A Distillery to Watch in 2026
Jake emphasized that New Riff is absolutely a distillery to watch heading into 2026. Between thoughtful releases like Balboa Rye and a growing track record of quality-driven decisions, New Riff is positioning itself as a leader among modern American whiskey producers.
As the whiskey landscape continues to shift toward fewer, higher-quality offerings, releases like this rye show exactly how distilleries can stand out—by focusing on flavor, balance, and long-term vision.
Final Thoughts
New Riff Balboa Rye is a rye that delivers on both flavor and promise. Creamy, fruity, and well-balanced, it’s an excellent bottle to kick off the year and a reminder that rye whiskey continues to evolve in exciting ways.
If you’re a rye fan—or just curious about where American whiskey is headed—this is one worth seeking out.
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Award-winning Balboa Rye Returns as New Riff Distilling Announces Release
Beloved heirloom rye returns after earning top honors from Whisky Advocate and leading spirits competitions
Newport, KY (Jan. 16, 2026) – – – New Riff Distilling announced the release of Balboa Rye, a fan favorite of the distillery’s ongoing exploration with heirloom grains. This specialty whiskey has received wide acclaim since its initial release in 2019 and continues to be a part of the Newport distillery’s rotation. For more information, visit www.newriffdistilling.com.
“Balboa Rye was the starting point of our exploration into heirloom grains, and it remains one of the most meaningful whiskies we make,” said Master Distiller Brian Sprance. “With this release, you can really taste the difference between heirloom rye and our flagship rye, from texture to flavor to overall character.”
Balboa rye was a grain variety widely used in the 1940s, inspiring New Riff to transform it using modern techniques. Over time, it has evolved into a recurring expression shaped by both tradition and creativity, with the historic grain continuing to develop with each new release.
Bottled-in-bond without chill filtration at 100 proof with a mashbill of 95% heirloom Balboa rye and 5% malted rye, Balboa Rye opens with red fruity and clove notes on the nose, followed by black and white pepper. The palate begins dry, developing into flavors of clove, horehound candy and rye bread and leads to a saturated finish marked by the horehound and pink peppercorn.
In 2025, Balboa Rye received multiple accolades, including placing fourth on Whisky Advocate’s annual Top 20 list. It was named Best Rye Whiskey aged 4-5 years and received a gold medal at the New Orleans Spirits Competition, and also earned a double gold medal in the fall Barleycorn Awards.
“We are incredibly proud that Balboa Rye continues to be embraced by both our fans and industry experts, and that it helps celebrate the range of styles and expressions rye grain is capable of,” said Sprance.
Balboa Rye has a MSRP of $59.99 and will be available for purchase at the distillery’s gift shop, online and at select retail locations throughout New Riff’s distribution network beginning Friday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. EST.
About New Riff (Newport, KY):
Fiercely independent and unabashedly innovative: New Riff Distilling starts with time-honored sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond standards, creating new riffs on old traditions since 2014. Located in Northern Kentucky — the gateway to bourbon country — the independently-owned distillery produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey and gin. Bourbon and rye are also available in single barrel selections, and the distillery boasts a popular private barrel selection program offering quarter, half and full barrel picks complete with personalized labels. New Riff sources its water from an alluvial aquifer under the distillery, accessed via a 100’ deep private well and providing cold, clean and mineral-rich water perfect for whiskey making. The public-facing spaces in the distillery, renovated in 2023, include the Riff Shop with customizable gifting options and locally sourced artisan goods; and The Aquifer Tasting Room, located on the third floor of the distillery, featuring signature cocktails, flights, and pours of New Riff’s entire portfolio of award-winning spirits including rare, limited-edition, and distillery-exclusive releases.
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