There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey vs Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022: Which Rye Is Better? carries one worth telling.
Choosing between New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey and Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022 can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey | Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | ryes | N/A |
| Type | Rye | Rye |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 50% ABV) | 57.3% ABV, mash bill: 95% rye and 5% malted barley |
| Price | $59.99 | $60.00 |
| Rating | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Nose
New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey: Overripe fruit, specifically banana, with the aroma of vanilla and char, mixed with saltwater taffy notes.
Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022: Tropical vanilla notes explode from the glass upon pouring. This is no shy fellow. I pick up notes of green bananas, sugar cookies, white grapes, and toasted buckwheat. It has a strong note of pumpernickel bread and sawdust. Theres a whiff of a chemical note like diesel.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey: Bottled at 100-Proof (50% ABV). Mashbill of 100% Aroostook Kentucky-grown malted rye
Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022: This is moderate in body with a touch of tannins and a building fieriness. It has a spicy kick to it like horseradish. Its rather simple on the palate, with notes of pfeffernusse (German spice cookies that are dusted in powdered sugar), molasses, and cast iron. The finish is moderate in length, with sugary sweetness to the end.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey: Comments: Bottled at 100-Proof (50% ABV). Mashbill of 100% Aroostook Kentucky-grown malted rye
Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022: Comments: A blend of barrels of undisclosed ages, aged in charred new American oak, 57.3% ABV, mash bill: 95% rye and 5% malted barley, SRP $59
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey offers significantly more bang for your buck at $59.99 compared to Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022's $60.00.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey takes the crown with a rating of 9/10 compared to Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022's 6/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022 is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022 appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
- New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey – Full Review
- Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022 – Full Review
Final Reflections
New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey vs Templeton Rye Barrel Strength 2022: Which Rye Is Better? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.