Compare
New Riff Bottled-in-Bond vs Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Comparing New Riff Bottled-in-Bond and Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond reveals a matchup between a modern, spice-driven craft expression and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | New Riff Bottled-in-Bond | Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 4 years | 9 years +5 yr |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$38 – $45 ~$104 less | ~$110 – $180 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
New Riff Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 9/2 spice: New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 9 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 2 out of 10
sweetness 4/8 sweetness: New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8 out of 10
oak 5/7 oak: New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10
heat 6/4 heat: New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: New Riff Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- New Riff Bottled-in-Bond: At 30% rye this is about as spice-forward as bourbon gets before becoming rye whiskey. Peppery and herbal with mint and dill, non-chill-filtered for texture, and noticeably dry rather than sweet.
- Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond: The decanter series, released twice a year at varying ages, and Heaven Hill's most serious wheated statement. Age shows as polished oak and stewed fruit rather than tannin, but you pay handsomely for the bottle.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with New Riff Bottled-in-Bond if you want aggressive rye spice and a dry, herbal profile from a modern craft distillery at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond if you want an aged, bonded wheater in a presentation bottle and the price is not the obstacle.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (New Riff Bottled-in-Bond); neat (Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond).