HOST AN AT HOME TASTING
Bonding over great whiskey is a memorable way to level up your next gathering. Whether you’re new to tasting or a seasoned sipper, hosting a New Riff whiskey tasting at home is a fun, thoughtful way to explore flavors, spark conversation, and ignite your curiosity. We’ll guide you through everything you need to get started!
WHAT YOU NEED
Glassware
While any glass will do, we recommend a Glencairn or another glass that narrows slightly at the top. This shape helps concentrate the aromas and enhance the tasting experience. Want the official experience? Purchase New Riff glassware.
Palate Cleanser
Keep some plain oyster crackers on hand to reset your palate between pours.
Water Dropper
A few drops of water can open up additional aromas and flavors in your whiskey.
Pen or Pencil
Take notes as you go — jot down what you see, smell, and taste. The more you engage your senses, the more you’ll discover.
Tasting Mat (Optional)
Download and print our custom New Riff Tasting Mat to organize your pours and guide your tasting.
HOW TO BUILD A WHISKEY TASTING FLIGHT:
Flights are a great way to introduce someone to a new whiskey and also deepen your understanding of some old favorites. While there’s no single ‘right’ way to build a tasting flight, here are a few recommendations to get you started.
We recommend starting with three to four different types of whiskeys.
New Riff Flagship
- New Riff Bottled In Bond Bourbon
- New Riff Bottled In Bond Rye
- New Riff 6-Year-Old Malted Rye
- New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
This flight features New Riff’s signature whiskies. Start by exploring the differences between our Bourbon and Rye, then experience how malting transforms flavor. Finish with our Single Barrel Bourbon to highlight the unique expression of a single barrel.
New Riff BIB and Single Barrel
- New Riff Bottled In Bond Bourbon
- New Riff Bottled In Bond Rye
- New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
- New Riff Single Barrel Rye
This flight highlights the contrast between New Riff’s Bottled in Bond expressions and our bold, barrel proof whiskey. Create some engaging conversation surrounding bonded whiskies and the distinct personalities of single barrel expressions.
New Riff Rye or Dye
- New Riff Bottled In Bond Rye
- New Riff 8-Year-Old Rye
- New Riff 6-Year-Old Malted Rye
- New Riff Single Barrel Rye
This flight offers a deep dive into New Riff Rye, letting you taste firsthand how malting, aging, and proof shape its flavor and how not all ryes are alike.
TASTE WHISKEY LIKE AN EXPERT
APPEARANCE
Before tasting, take a moment to observe the whiskey’s color. Generally, a deeper, darker color suggests longer aging. Be sure to note the differences across each pour.
NOSING
Bring the glass just below your nose and inhale gently, keeping your lips slightly parted. Move the glass slowly between each nostril. This allows the aromas to pass through your sinuses and across your palate more effectively.
As you nose the whiskey, consider broad scent categories to help identify notes: grains, fruits, wood, spices, nuts, sweets, even textiles. Take your time and enjoy the process, this is where your senses begin to build the full flavor picture.
TASTING
Start with a small sip and let the whiskey roll across your tongue, coating your entire mouth before you swallow.
Pay attention to the first flavors you detect. Use the same categories as you did while nosing and note any standout characteristics. Then, observe how the whiskey evolves. Do new flavors emerge once your palate is fully coated? Does the profile shift?
Finally, consider the finish – that lingering feeling after the sip. Does it bring warmth or heat? Is it long and lingering, or short and clean? Are there any surprises in the final moments? Be sure to note the flavors and feel that you detect.
*Once you’ve tasted through the flight, try adding a splash of water to each pour. Adding water lowers the proof and can unlock new aromas and flavors, giving you another layer to explore.
Lastly, remember that each person’s experience is right! There are no wrong answers when it comes to what you taste or smell. Because each of our palates are distinct and tied to specific memories we will all experience the same whiskey differently, which is part of the fun.
STOCK UP FOR YOUR WHISKEY TASTING NIGHT:
Need to stock up on New Riff Bourbon or Rye products for your tasting? Visit https://shop.newriffdistilling.com/ to purchase online for shipping or visit your local liquor store.
