Review #: 219
Description: New Riff Wild Gin
Spirit: Gin
Background: While mostly known for their bourbon and rye, New Riff also makes a “wild gin” using 12 botanicals, including Kentucky Juniper and Spice Bush that are locally foraged. They also blend some of their new make rye in with it, which is interesting. I’ll be honest, when I visited the distillery, we were supposed to taste the gin, but our guide said “you guys are here for the bourbon” and replaced it with another single barrel offering. I wasn’t upset at the time but then wished I had at least picked up a bottle. A few months later, I have so let’s see if it was worth skipping or not.
Distillery – New Riff
Bottler – New Riff
Brand – New Riff
Selection – N/A
ABV – 47%
Age – Unaged
Nose – Savory; basil, sage, sweet juniper, licorice, lemon zest, slight rye, clove. Really have to get your nose in there for the fruitier side of the licorice
Taste – Lemon custard, heavy floral and earthy notes, some cinnamon, black licorice
Finish – More lemon custard, clove, black pepper, coriander, juniper, fruity yogurt, almost a dill note
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: I really wavered on going between a 5 and a 6. The palate was a little lacking especially compared to the nose and finish. But that lemon custard note was so nice and tasty, I went for the higher side. This is some good gin and makes some great cocktails. This is definitely on par with their whiskey offerings.