Peerless Rye SB (4.5yr) Vs. New Riff Rye BiB (4yr)

I really like Peerless Rye, especially this store-pick 4yr old bottle, but I don’t like the price (I feel like 50% of the price is for the pretty bottle). I was really hoping a new 4yr rye that is less than half the price could be a good alternative... let’s see!

Peerless) Sweet Mash - The nose is somewhat lacking, but pleasant with fresh oak, spice, corn, vanilla, and a little anise. The palate starts with big rye spice and alcohol, that quickly turns more complex with charred oak, brown-sugar, vanilla, cloves, and buttered-toast. The finish is decent in length and is both sweet and spicy. I like the flavors, but this is definitely not worth $100+ (especially for some other 2yr bottles).

New Riff) Sour Mash - 95% rye. This is definitely a solid rye whiskey, and it’s immediately obvious that it is a very high-rye mashbill. The nose is more fruity, with slightly smoky charred oak, and faint vanilla and spice. The palate is lighter in mouthfeel, but has good flavors of rye spice, orange zest, slight tobacco, and vanilla. The finish is all spice and heat, and makes this whiskey taste younger. Overall it’s a fine rye, but I wouldn’t call it standout. I think it could benefit from a higher % of other grain in the mashbill.

Verdict) As much as I hate the prices, Peerless is definitely the superior rye here (although the 2yr Peerless is much closer to the New Riff, and is the same price I paid for my 4yr bottle). Regardless, there are much better rye values for half the price. Willett 4yr Rye handily beats both of these for about the same price as New Riff.