There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey vs New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey: Head-to-Head Rye Comparison carries one worth telling.
Choosing between Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey and New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey 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
| Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey | New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | ryes |
| Type | Rye | Rye |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 47% ABV | 50% ABV) |
| Price | $59.99 | $59.99 |
| Rating | 6/10 | 9/10 |
Nose
Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey: Initially this felt rich without being overpowering. Surprisingly alcohol is still present although muted. Spring flowers with light milled grains slowly release from the nose. On the back end is the distinct sour yeast aroma as it warms up. Almost a lager or pilsner malt note.
New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey: Overripe fruit, specifically banana, with the aroma of vanilla and char, mixed with saltwater taffy notes.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey: Yeas forward which gives way to some bready, malty flavors. The whiskey is very dry and soaks up all the moisture in your mouth. After a sip or two I was able to discover some good sour notes with balanced flavorings lemon zest. The finish was quick, a little too quick. There is a residual taste of earthiness on the back end. A small warmth in the chest but otherwise very soft across all aspects of the sip.
New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey: Bottled at 100-Proof (50% ABV). Mashbill of 100% Aroostook Kentucky-grown malted rye
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey: Comments: No age statement. 5% Barley 95% Rye
New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey: Comments: Bottled at 100-Proof (50% ABV). Mashbill of 100% Aroostook Kentucky-grown malted rye
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
From a pure value standpoint, New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey edges ahead, delivering strong quality at $59.99 versus Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey's $59.99.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey edges ahead in this comparison with a rating of 9/10 versus Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey's 6/10. It offers a more refined experience overall.
However, Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey still has plenty to offer, and depending on your taste preferences, it might be the one you reach for more often.
Read the Full Reviews
- Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey – Full Review
- New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey – Full Review
Final Reflections
Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey vs New Riff Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey: Head-to-Head Rye Comparison 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.
