New Riff Re-releases Sherry-Finished Malted Rye

Newport, KY (Aug. 21, 2026) --- New Riff Distilling has announced the re-release of its award-winning Sherry Finish Malted Rye, available for purchase beginning Friday, Aug. 28.

First introduced in 2022 and building on the distillery’s exploration of malted rye whiskey, New Riff’s 2026 Sherry Finish Malted Rye pairs its rye whiskey with a sherry cask finish. Following its initial maturation in New Riff barrels, the whiskey is transferred to oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for additional maturation.

New Riff’s Sherry Finish Malted Rye 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.”

Bottled at 117.3 proof and aged 6 years, Sherry Finish Malted Rye is comprised of 100% Malted Rye and finished in oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. It opens with slowly developed notes of dark fruits, buttery sherry oak, and a hint of vanilla, leading to a full-bodied and savory, sappy mouthfeel with malty grain and oak undertones present. A final burst of brightening spices rounds out a clove, wood spice, and fruit-forward finish.

Sherry Finish Malted Rye has a suggested MSRP of $69.99 and will be available for purchase at the distillery gift shop, for online shipping, and at select retailers across New Riff’s national distribution network beginning Friday, Aug. 28, 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 and—the gateway to bourbon country—the independently-owned distillery produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey, and gin, including its acclaimed flagship Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which was named the World’s Best Bourbon at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards. 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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