New Riff Rereleases Sherry Finish Malted Rye Whiskey

Award-winning malted rye returns with a barrel-proof sherry cask finish, on shelves August 28

NEWPORT, Ky. — New Riff Distilling has announced the rerelease of its award-winning Sherry Finish Malted Rye, available for purchase beginning Friday, August 28. More information is available at newriffdistilling.com.

First introduced in 2022, the 2026 Sherry Finish Malted Rye builds on New Riff’s ongoing exploration of malted rye whiskey. The whiskey completes its initial maturation in New Riff barrels before being transferred to oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for additional aging. The expression was a double gold medal recipient and “Best in Class” finalist in the Special-Barrel Finished Whiskey category at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“We’re not known for barrel finishing, which is exactly why we’re intentional about when and how we do it,” said Master Distiller Brian Sprance. “Over the years, this release has become one of our favorites because it strikes a balance between something familiar and something unexpected. Bottling it at barrel proof gives the whiskey every opportunity to showcase its full flavor and character. We’re incredibly proud of how this year’s release turned out.”

Tasting Notes

Bottled at 117.3 proof and aged six years, Sherry Finish Malted Rye is made from 100% malted rye and finished in oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. It opens with dark fruits, buttery sherry oak, and a hint of vanilla, leading to a full-bodied, savory, sappy mouthfeel with malty grain and oak undertones. The finish brings a burst of brightening spices, closing with clove, wood spice, and fruit-forward character.

Availability

Sherry Finish Malted Rye carries a suggested MSRP of $69.99 and will be available at the distillery gift shop, for online shipping, and at select retailers across New Riff’s national distribution network starting Friday, August 28, at 11 a.m. EST.

About New Riff (Newport, KY)

New Riff Distilling has built new riffs on old traditions since 2014, using time-honored sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond standards. Located in Northern Kentucky, the independently owned distillery produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey, and gin, including its flagship Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, named World’s Best Bourbon at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards. Bourbon and rye are also available in single barrel selections, and the distillery runs a private barrel selection program offering quarter, half, and full barrel picks with personalized labels. New Riff draws its water from an alluvial aquifer beneath the distillery via a 100-foot private well. The distillery’s public spaces, renovated in 2023, include the Riff Shop and the third-floor Aquifer Tasting Room, which pours New Riff’s full portfolio, including rare and distillery-exclusive releases.

Story by Bourbon Lens | Bourbon Lens News