Compare
New Riff 8 Year vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Comparing New Riff 8 Year and Michter's US*1 Small Batch reveals a matchup between a modern, spice-driven craft expression and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | New Riff 8 Year | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 8 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +9 proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$65 – $70 | ~$45 – $55 ~$18 less |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
New Riff 8 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
New Riff 8 Year Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 8/4 spice: New Riff 8 Year 8 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
oak 7/5 oak: New Riff 8 Year 7 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 5/3 heat: New Riff 8 Year 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: New Riff 8 Year 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: New Riff 8 Year 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: New Riff 8 Year 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- New Riff 8 Year: The older, deeper version of New Riff's bonded bourbon. Same 30% rye recipe, but eight years add richer oak and darker sugar while keeping the spice front and center.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with New Riff 8 Year if you want an older, deeper take on New Riff's spicy high-rye recipe with slightly more proof behind it.
- Go with Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (New Riff 8 Year); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).