When New Riff Distilling first introduced Balboa Rye, they weren’t just releasing another rye whiskey—they were reviving a forgotten heirloom grain and honoring a legacy that dates back to the 1940s. Today, Balboa Rye stands as one of the distillery’s most beloved and rarest expressions, a fan favorite not only for its bold flavor but also for the story it carries in every bottle.
The Grain That Started It All
The journey began with a conversation between New Riff and their trusted corn farmer, who had long been cultivating Balboa rye—a heritage grain that had once flourished across Indiana decades ago. With its deep historical roots and labor-intensive farming demands, Balboa was all but forgotten in modern distillation. But New Riff saw a unique opportunity: to distill a grain with character, history, and flavor unlike anything else on the market. It’s very likely the first time in decades that Balboa rye has been used in whiskey—and almost certainly the only bottle available today using this exact grain.
Aged Gracefully. Bottled With Purpose
Balboa Rye is Bottled In Bond, aged at least four years, and crafted without chill filtration. The mash bill features 95% heirloom Balboa rye and 5% malted rye, resulting in a whiskey that both honors tradition and offers something entirely new. At 100 proof (50% ABV), it walks the line between robust and refined.
Each bottle delivers a sensory experience:
- Nose: Toasted oak and red fruit with orange zest, rye bread, and a touch of lemon.
- Palate: A dry, chewy texture with layers of orange rind, butterscotch, raisin, and clove—balanced by the familiar warmth of rye grain.
- Finish: A crescendo of spice—cinnamon graham cracker, sandalwood, seared mint, pink peppercorn, and lingering clove.
This is not your typical spicy rye. Balboa Rye is surprisingly soft, approachable, and complex. It’s both a nod to the past and a push forward for what rye whiskey can become.
A Whiskey with a Mission
New Riff’s commitment to Balboa Rye isn’t a trend—it’s a mission. Co-founder Jay Erisman, a champion of heirloom grains and former President of Cincinnati’s Slow Food chapter, saw Balboa as more than a distilling experiment. It’s a way to preserve agricultural biodiversity and reintroduce a wider flavor palette to whiskey drinkers.
That dedication comes at a cost: Balboa Rye is incredibly labor-intensive to grow and yields less than modern rye varieties. In fact, New Riff distills 2.5x more of its flagship rye than it does Balboa Rye. That means limited production and highly anticipated releases—often just once a year.
Scarce, Savored, and Celebrated
Since its debut in 2019, Balboa Rye has become a cult favorite, selling out quickly with each limited drop. Its scarcity only adds to its allure. Whiskey lovers know to keep an eye out—because once it’s gone, it’s gone until the next rare release.
Balboa Rye challenges what people think rye whiskey should taste like. It offers richness without heat, spice without harshness, and tradition without compromise. In a world of mass-produced spirits, it’s a reminder that true craftsmanship and character take time—and that some bottles are worth the wait.
Click here to shop now.
