Distillery: New Riff Distillery—Newport, KY
Proof: 98.2 (49.1% ABV)
Age: Five Years
Mashbill: 91% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
MSRP: $83
Transparent Sourcing, Heat and Flavor.
High n’ Wicked is best known as an independent bottler. They partner with established producers for limited release expressions across whiskey categories. For this high rye release, the brand teams up with New Riff Distilling to bring forth a 98.2 proof, 91% Rye, non-chill filtered whiskey. The result is a transparently sourced Kentucky straight rye with a bold character that is marketed for enthusiast appeal.
So how does this five-year rye measure up in the glass? Let’s find out.
High n’ Wicked Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.3/5
Orange peel. Brown butter. Black peppercorn. Slight herbal.
Strengths: Rich with layers. “Candied” sweet notes. Spice warmth.
Why It’s Not Higher: Char notes can dominate—let it rest to help neutralize.
Rating Justification: Punches above its price point. An intensity that matches up well with its 5‑year aging.
Palate – 4.2/5
Cinnamon spice. Green apple. Clove. Nutmeg.
Strengths: Deep with layers. A fruit sweetness that transitions well to baking spice.
Why It’s Not Higher: Back of Palate is a bit too spice heavy.
Rating Justification: Mouthfeel is well above its proof and age. Classic mixture of sweet and spice ratio.
Finish – 4.1/5
Long peppery spice. Burnt orange. Dry oak. Light cocoa bitterness.
Strengths: Lingers with good heat and spice. Citrus bitterness is a nice surprise.
Why It’s Not Higher: May lean slightly too tannic for some.
Rating Justification: Long. Persistence of the spice notes creates high desire for next sip.
Value – 4.3/5
While the price point is slightly above other 4–6 year ryes, High ‘n Wicked Straight Rye solidly competes on flavor and maturity.
It’s not a budget bottle—but for enthusiasts looking for a spicy rye with a strong mid-Palate, it delivers a solid return on investment.
High n’ Wicked Straight Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict
High n’ Wicked Straight Rye Whiskey delivers a spice-forward profile. This is a bottle that does a good job of balancing its high-rye intensity with its proof so that it doesn’t overwhelm with heat. While the price sits a bit above the average for 5-year rye, the strong mouthfeel and density of the flavor profile make it a confident pickup for rye enthusiasts. Shop now.
Verdict – 4.2/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.