New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon – JJ’s 3rd Edition – “Jane’s Boys”
Today is rough.
My Mom, Jane Slattery, would have been 75 today. For those who are new to our world, Mom passed away on July 23rd, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.
Growing up, Mom’s birthday was the day we always gathered to decorate the house for Christmas. We would set up our ornamental Christmas tree, put on some Christmas tunes, have some food and as we got older, a few cocktails.
It was always a time of great joy in our house as we got to celebrate Mom’s birthday, and also the official start to the countdown towards Christmas, which was one of Mom’s favorite times of the year.
When we released last year’s calendar, we had hoped that today’s whiskey was going to be on that calendar, but the powers that be did not afford us that ability as the barrel did not show up until just before Christmas last year, So here we are today.
A year ago last November, my siblings (Nick & Jim) and Dad (Mike aka Pop) took a trip to Cincinatti, OH. We hadn’t been on a trip together since Mom’s passing, so it was about damn time. It was a short trip. We flew down to Cincinatti on a Sunday, had some fun (a bit too much fun), then did our tour and tasting at New Riff Distillery on Monday before flying back to Sioux Falls that same day. We all regret not taking more time, but it was right before Thanksgiving, so we all had too much on our collective plates to be gone much longer than that.
We were presented five different barrel samples of 5-6 year old New Riff Bourbon. As expected, and with all New Riff picks, there were very distinct differences among all of them. And they were all really good. The final decision on the barrel was unanimous.
Mom wasn’t much a whiskey drinker, so I cannot say that she would have approved. But, looking down from above and seeing us together, and agreeing on something (very rare), definitely would have put that smile we all know, and miss dearly, on her face.
- Name: New Riff Single Barrel – JJ’s 3rd Edition – “Jane’s Boys”
- Country of Origin/Locale: Newport, KY
- Proof: 114.2
- Glass: Glencairn or Double Old Fashioned Glass over ice
- Temperature: Room or Chilled
- Cocktail Options: Plenty! See below for a great Holiday recipe
- Available: Yes. Retail and in JJ’s Bar
- Price: List Price – $79.99 JJ’s VIP Price – $63.99
Tom’s Tasting Notes: The flavor profile on the bourbon is what we expect from New Riff, plus a little extra punch. Aromas of Caramel, vanilla and a slight hint of leather. The flavors are fat and rich with toasted caramel notes, cinnamon spice and some dark cherry. The finish is long and fulfilling, much like a hug from Mom.
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
- 1.5oz of New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon – JJ’s 3rd Edition
- 3/4oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
- 2oz Orange Juice
- 3/4oz Unsweetened cranberry juice (if you don’t have, skip the simple syrup)
- 1/2oz Simple Syrup
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail mixing glass. Add ice and stir about 35 times. Strain over ice, or a large cube, in a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with sprig of rosemary and a couple of fresh cranberries.
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