Award-Winning Balboa Rye Returns as New Riff Distilling Announces Release

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.

"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.

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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