O.K.I. and LEGENDS AMONG US

There are legends in the whiskey world dating back decades. Red Hook, Black Maple Hill, Smooth Ambler Old Scouts, Japanese market Willett’s, Knob Creek 15 year old single barrel store picks, WhistlePig “10 year” old single barrels, legends all. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have experienced some, or all of those cannot forget them, and are left longing to have just one more glass.

New Riff distillery put some legends out under their OKI label (not to be confused with the new OKI brand with the same look) that most people have never heard of. It was quite limited in quantity and distribution (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) and it hadn’t quite become an internet whiskey until it was discontinued (as New Riff was ready for their own branded releases) and began to disappear when people caught on to what was inside the bottle - well aged MGP.

There are many aged MGP’s out there, but this is one that will live on in legend. It’s limited distribution, beautiful label design, and short life on the market will all add up to being remembered and talked about, the stuff of legend.

I had the opportunity to revisit this bottle thanks to my pal Nolan and it didn’t disappoint me one bit. It was everything you’d want in a coveted long lost bottle- powerful nose, strong layered flavors, and an unforgettable finish. This bottle reminded me that while there are many brands with older MGP inside, not all of them are great, but this one is. Or was. The bottle was killed, another moment lost to time, remembered in pictures.

Mickey Pinstripe