Bulleit Bourbon vs New Riff: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:49 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover disparities between Bulleit Bourbon and New Riff in this detailed analysis, and determine which Bourbon is the preferred choice for you!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Bulleit Bourbon vs New Riff: Comparison

Bulleit Bourbon: Spicy rye and warm cinnamon notes, balanced with caramel and dried fruit. Long, satisfying finish. Great for cocktails or on rocks. Bold yet smooth.

New Riff: Rye-forward with vanilla and caramel, balanced by oak and mint. Moderate finish. Best enjoyed neat or with minimal water. Flavorful and well-rounded.

Verdict: Bulleit Bourbon excels in versatility and rye spice, while New Riff offers a creamy, rye-centric experience at 100-proof. Both provide unique takes on bourbon, catering to varied palates, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Bulleit Bourbon: Bold Rye Spice with Smooth Finish

Nose: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, almond
Palate: Rye spice, caramel, dried fruit, nuts
Finish: Long, caramel, rye spice
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: Basil Hayden

Aroma: Bulleit Bourbon opens with a pronounced rye spice followed by subtle hints of warm spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.

Taste: The palate experiences a smooth and satisfying texture with an initial spicy kick due to the high rye content (28%) in the mash bill. As the flavors develop, it transitions to rich notes of dried fruit and nuts.

Finish: The finish offers a well-balanced warmth with a combination of spicy oak and lingering sweetness that arrives late but leaves a lasting impression.

Overall: Bulleit Bourbon presents a well-rounded experience, offering sweetness on the palate balanced by a spicy finish characteristic of its rye influence. It falls between the spicier rye whiskeys and sweeter bourbons, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a moderate rye experience.

Enjoyment: Bulleit Bourbon is versatile, suitable for enjoying neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour. The high rye content adds depth and complexity to mixed drinks.

Interesting Facts:

Unique Mash Bill: Bulleit Bourbon’s mash bill features a higher rye content (28%) compared to most bourbons, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: Made with pure Kentucky limestone-filtered water and locally sourced grains.
Aged for Six Years: This aging process in charred American oak barrels contributes to the smoothness and complexity of the bourbon.
Award-Winning: Awarded a Double Gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, highlighting its quality.

Key Takeaways:

Well-rounded bourbon with a smooth texture and balanced sweetness.
Distinctive flavor profile featuring pronounced rye spice balanced by subtle sweetness and oak notes.
Versatile for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, adding depth to mixed drinks.
Made with unique mash bill, locally sourced ingredients, and aged for six years in charred oak barrels.

New Riff: A Rye-Forward Bourbon with Balanced Spice

Nose: Oak, rye spice, vanilla, caramel
Palate: Vanilla, caramel, rye spice, mint
Finish: Oak spice, rye spice, caramel
Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: Buffalo Trace

Aroma: New Riff opens with a rich nose dominated by fresh oak followed by delicate notes of rye spice, vanilla, caramel, and baking spices.

Taste: The palate boasts a creamy texture and a flavor profile featuring vanilla and caramel, balanced by a prominent rye spice that stays within bounds. Hints of peppermint and black pepper add a touch of complexity.

Finish: The finish is of moderate length with a touch of warming spice, lingering notes of rye, and a subtle hint of caramel.

Enjoyment: New Riff shines when enjoyed neat. Adding water doesn’t significantly alter the taste. The rye spice and warmth are present but remain balanced, making it a good choice for those who appreciate a flavorful and well-rounded dram with moderate rye influence. While the finish might not be the longest, New Riff remains a solid option for those who enjoy rye-forward bourbons.

Interesting Facts:

Bottled in Bond: This designation signifies aging for at least four years at a bonded distillery, with bottling at 100 proof (50% ABV) using only whiskey from the same production season.
Four-Year Age: New Riff is a relatively young bourbon compared to others, but its unique approach to production yields an interesting flavor profile.
Unique Mash Bill: The use of 3 non-GMO grains, with a higher rye content (30%) compared to traditional bourbon, contributes to its distinctive character.
Unfiltered: This bottling method preserves more of the whiskey’s natural characteristics and flavors.
New Distillery: Established in Kentucky in 2014, New Riff is a relatively young distillery making waves in the bourbon world.