We’re cracking open a New Riff Single Barrel from Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2025, signed by Master Distiller Brian and chosen as a  Distiller’s Row pick.

New Riff built its name on transparency and tradition, non chill filtered, bottled in bond releases, and a commitment to quality. This single barrel clocks in at 116 proof and delivers deep caramel, dried fruit, leather and earthy richness from nose to finish.

But the bigger question we explore is this: when you’re surrounded by incredible bourbon at a festival like KBF, how do you decide which single bottle gets the precious luggage space?

We unpack what makes a single barrel special, whether blends are actually more reliable, and whether the market is starting to feel saturated with “single barrel” labels that don’t always carry the same meaning.

This one stood out not because it shouted the loudest, but because it felt balanced, layered, and genuinely unique.

00:00 The pour and the signature