New Riff Distilling's Balboa Rye is a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey crafted from the Balboa heirloom rye grain variety — a heritage grain that was popular in the 1940s and had not been used in commercial whiskey production for decades before New Riff revived it. One of New Riff's first specialty whiskeys, it has become a fan favorite for rye enthusiasts. The whiskey is Bottled in Bond at 100 proof (50% ABV), adhering to strict U.S. government standards that require it to be the product of a single distillation season, a single distiller, and a single distillery.

The Balboa Rye opens with a clean, ripe oak nose that develops waxy, honeyed fruit over time, with notes of pepper, toasted rye bread, lemon poppyseed cake, grape jelly, and balanced oak. The palate is rounded and full-bodied, with a midpalate of spiced fruit compote featuring sweet lemon, fig cookies, vanilla ice cream, and a hint of jelly on toast. The finish is very long and complex, with fruit subtly shaded by clove, wintergreen, and nutmeg, closing with an intense sting of spice and grain. Whisky Advocate awarded it 90 points.