#22 NEW RIFF - POCKET POUR
A NEW RIFF ON A CLASSIC BOURBON
Crafted with New Riff Distilling in Kentucky, this small-batch blend of three casks delivers honeyed sweetness, juicy black cherry and warming oak spice — the kind of Bourbon that delivers, every time.
KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON
Small (small) Batch
Only 1,035 bottles created
Cask: New America Oak
Distilled: 23/02/2021
Bottled: 30/07/2025
52% ABV / 50CL
Non-chill filtered and no caramel colouring (ever!)
TASTES LIKE
FLAVOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Honey-Roasted Nuts
- Thick Cut Marmalade
- Toffee Apples
- Juicy Black Cherries
- Parma Violets
FLAVOUR DEEPDIVE
This Bourbon opens with honey-roasted nuts and warm toffee, before rolling into thick-cut marmalade, rich honey and a flicker of orange blossom water. There’s a waxy, slightly dusty quality that feels reassuringly traditional, quickly lifted by dried apricot and fragrant honeysuckle. Then it deepens: toffee apples and pecan pie richness, rum & raisin cake, even a handful of cinnamon jelly beans (thanks ‘A’ for this note!). The fruit swells into juicy black cherries and that proper Kentucky chew through the middle, before finishing with a cracked black pepper spice.
WHO IS THIS WHISKEY FOR?
Approachable but full-flavoured, sweet and juicy with a classic Kentucky chew, this is a confident step up for someone who already loves classic American whiskey.
MUSIC TO SIP TO
Whether you’re unwinding solo or pouring a few drams with friends,THIS PLAYLIST is inspired by the misty forests, mountain trails, and wild coastlines of the Pacific Northwest. The perfect backdrop to sip, slow down and dream of your next hiking adventure with.
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FLAVOUR MAP
WHY WE CHOSE THIS CASK
This is our first Bourbon release — and we knew we wanted to partner with a producer who respects tradition but isn’t bound by it. New Riff was founded in 2014 with a simple philosophy: make whiskey the hard way. Sour mash. On-grain distillation. Bottled-in-Bond standards. No chill filtration. No shortcuts.
They’re known for their high-rye Bourbon mash bill, giving sweetness and structure, but with that gentle Kentucky spice running underneath. This small batch blend of three casks - all distilled in the same season - was brought together exclusively for The Heart Cut by New Riff’s Master Blender, Brian Sprance. It delivers everything we wanted from a first Bourbon release: richness, chew, fruit and oak. A seriously satisfying sipper.
1,035 bottles. That’s all.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
We love a beer + bourbon, and this New Riff release with its warming toasted oak and juicy fruit tones pairs so well with a classic American Pale Ale. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is our go to - its gentle pine bitterness cuts through the whiskey’s sweetness perfectly.
If you can find it, Brooklyn Brewery’s American Ale works a treat too.
THE DISTILLERY IN 60 SECONDS
Founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, New Riff Distilling sits just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati and has quickly become a benchmark for modern Kentucky whiskey. Now led by Mollie Lewis, CEO Hannah Lowen and Master Distiller Brian Sprance, it remains independent and family-owned.
New Riff follows the full sour mash process, ferments in open tanks, distils on grain and bottles without chill filtration. Known for high-rye mash bills and Bottled-in-Bond releases, it champions transparency, precision and tradition done properly.
STILL NOT SURE?
Choosing a whisky can be a daunting task. With so much choice out there, it's important to make sure the whisky you choose is perfect for you. If this Pocket Pour isn't quite doing that for you, you can complete out whisky matchmaker quiz where we'll tell you the best whisky for you based on your flavour preferences.
