High rye. That’s the name of the game when it comes to New Riff Bourbon.

Recently two things had happened with New Riff. They were named Whisky of the Year by The Whisky Exchange and more importantly, our friend Steve recently did a bourbon barrel pick over at Club Paris and it absolutely slapppped. Never had we ever sipped on a high rye so smoother than his barrel pick. It led us to pick our own barrel to spread the good whiskey that is New Riff. With an Allocated touch, that is.

This behind the pick is hilarious, because we must tell you what really happened in Kentucky. Steve, from Club Paris, was with Ylli and Long at New Riff in Kentucky. After the show and dance, it was time to pick some barrels. Long was set on a sexy bourbon for Allocated, Ylli was set on a repeat rye (that sold way too fast) to mimic his last, and Steve was ready to get another bourbon for Club Paris.

Flight was set out. 7 drams. As always, it was quiet as a church for about 40 minutes as everyone worked through sampling, note taking and drinking water. Long demanded everyone STFU and keep their top ranked sample to themselves until everyone was ready to chat. When it was time, Long and Ylli asked what Steve liked first. This was a joke, because before the tasting, Steve asked the guys “what if we like the same one?” Long responded with, “while generally in Taiwanese culture, you allow the elders to do everything first, as we respect those who came before us, but THIS IS AMURICA!”

Funny enough, the three of them did end up picking this barrel as #1. Love you Steve <3