In this episode of The Bourbon Lens, Jake Lewellen takes a closer look at New Riff’s Balboa Rye 95.5, a standout rye whiskey that showcases the distillery’s continued innovation and quality. Jake breaks down the tasting notes, highlighting a creamy, fruity nose followed by a balanced palate of sugary citrus and peppery rye spice.

This rye delivers a smooth yet flavorful experience, making it an excellent pour to kick off the year. Beyond the glass, Jake discusses why New Riff is a distillery to watch in 2026, pointing to their creative releases, thoughtful mash bills, and increasing use of older age statements that continue to elevate their portfolio.

If you’re a rye whiskey fan or curious about emerging trends in American whiskey, this episode is a must-listen.

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#NewRiff #BalboaRye #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BourbonLens #WhiskeyPodcast #AmericanWhiskey #CraftDistillery #WhiskeyTasting #RyeReview #BourbonCommunity

• New Riff Balboa Rye 95.5 delivers a creamy, fruity, and well-balanced rye profile
• The nose offers soft fruit and cream notes
• The palate balances sugary citrus with classic rye pepper spice
• Balboa Rye 95.5 is an approachable yet flavorful rye whiskey
• New Riff continues to stand out through innovation and quality
• Older age statements position New Riff as a distillery to watch in 2026

• “A creamy, fruity rye that really stands out.”
• “This is a great way to start the year.”
• “New Riff is absolutely one to watch in 2026.”

New Riff, Balboa Rye 95.5, Rye Whiskey Review, New Riff Distillery, Rye Whiskey, American Rye, Craft Whiskey, Whiskey Podcast, Whiskey Tasting Notes, Bourbon Lens, Whiskey 2026 Trends

In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott welcome Jay West, widely known in the bourbon community as T8ke, and now the Principal Whiskeymaker at Middleburg Barrel Company. Jay joins the show to discuss his unique path through the whiskey world—from the early days of Reddit’s r/bourbon community, to his work with Whiskey Raiders, and into his current role shaping Middleburg’s growing portfolio of American whiskey.

The conversation explores how Jay’s years as a whiskey critic and reviewer helped refine his palate and approach to barrel selection and blending. Jake, Scott, and Jay discuss Middleburg Barrel Company’s current releases, including The Reveries and Provenance Bourbon, and how Jay balances creativity, deep bourbon knowledge, and practical grit when building a whiskey brand in today’s competitive market.

Jay also shares insight into his long-term vision for Middleburg Barrel Company, plans to expand the portfolio, and what it takes to transition from evaluating whiskey to actively creating it. Throughout the episode, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at modern independent whiskey making through the lens of one of the most respected palates in American bourbon.

Jay West is a multifaceted spirits professional with a foundation rooted in years of experience as a professional critic and spirits writer, having reviewed thousands of whiskeys from around the world. He has been featured in major lifestyle and spirits-focused publications such as Gear Patrol, Men’s Health, Bourbon Pursuit, The Bourbon Life Podcast, The RumCast, and more. Through his work, Jay has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry, providing insight and expertise that resonate with both casual enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs.

Jay’s expertise in barrel selection and blending has made him a sought-after figure in the whiskey community. Beyond his writing, he has collaborated with leading distilleries, brands, and industry professionals—including Beam Suntory and Diageo—to curate and create exclusive bottlings rooted in innovation. These releases have earned critical acclaim nationwide, showcasing his keen palate and ability to craft compelling whiskey experiences.

In his latest venture, Jay now lends his curation talents as Principal Whiskeymaker at Middleburg Barrel Company, makers of Provenance Bourbon. In this role, he oversees barrel selection and blending, ensuring each release meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Today's episode features the limited release Double Barrel Maple Bourbon from Taconic Distillery. Michael and Scott also dive into the world of Whiskey Instagram and how we see things changing on the platform. The Double Barrel Maple Bourbon is the 115 proof release and it was barreled in Catskill Mountain Sugarhouse maple syrup barrels. We also compared it to Taconic's Mizunara finished bourbon from Episode 48. Enjoy today's episode and be sure to keep an eye out for the whiskies coming out of New York's Taconic Distillery.

About Taconic Distillery:

Taconic Distillery, established in 2013, is a purveyor of fine craft spirits located in the Hudson Valley of New York. We handcraft our award-winning bourbon and rye whiskies in small batches using the finest ingredients, including grains grown in New York and natural spring water from our farm.

Inspired by hunting and fishing, Taconic embraces a passion for the outdoors and that passion is imprinted on all our spirits.

All of our spirits are brilliant for simple sipping. They also make excellent traditional and signature cocktails.

We are proud members of the American Distilling Institute, the American Craft Spirits Association and the New York Distillers Guild.

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