History

New Riff – a new riff on an old tradition

New Riff Distilling was established in 2014 by Ken Lewis, a visionary Kentucky company and spirits entrepreneur. The company is 100% family-owned in Kentucky and has no partners or investors. According to their values, independence is at the core of their approach: 'Stubbornly Independent' and willing to go the hard way to achieve quality without short-term gains. The goal is to become 'one of the big little distilleries in the world' and to stay out of pressure from external stakeholders, so the whiskey can be made as if it were the last thing one would ever do. They emphasize a strong workplace culture and have an experienced, cross-disciplinary team that includes a master distiller-consultant/teacher. The distillery is located in Northern Kentucky, which they describe as the 'gateway to bourbon country'.

Production and Regimen

New Riff describes its approach as a new riff on Kentucky tradition and follows 'The Kentucky Regimen': Sour Mash, Open Fermentation, Copper Column, Doubler, Repeat. They emphasize patience and slow processes in fermentation and aging, including at least four years of aging in new 53-gallon barrels and no shortcuts. All their whiskey products are Bottled In Bond, without chill filtration (with exceptions for certain barrel-proof releases). They highlight copper contact throughout the process and a four-day open-fermentation phase, where microbial flora contribute to the flavors.

Production and Raw Materials

The water source comes from a private aquifer right beneath the distillery, which, according to them, provides a cool and mineral-rich water profile. The raw materials are sourced from selected suppliers: corn from Charles Fogg in Indiana, rye from a leading supplier to the bourbon industry (often from Northern Europe for rye), and malted barley from American maltsters. They emphasize that they can handle many different grain varieties and continually experiment with mashbills and malted grains in their products.

Products and Whiskey Series

New Riff produces a range of bourbons, ryes and single malt whiskeys, as well as special editions such as Kentucky Wild Gin. The main lines include Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 8 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 8 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 100% Malted Rye Whiskey, Kentucky Straight Malted Rye Whiskey, Balboa Rye Whiskey, Red Turkey Wheat, Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey, Sherry Finish Malted Rye Whiskey and Winter Whiskey. They also have Single Barrel Bourbon and Single Barrel Rye, along with various limited-time and special releases such as Balboa Rye and Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey. Their Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey is described as an innovation rooted in six mashbills and aged in different casks, while Sherry Finish Malted Rye Whiskey is 100% malted rye and finishes in sherry casks. Winter Whiskey combines malted grain varieties such as malted oats and chocolate malt with four years of aging.

Tours and Experiences

Their visitor program includes Bonded Tour (45–60 minutes with tastings, price around $22), Happy Hour Tour (Tuesday–Friday at 5:00 PM), Barrel Proof Tour (West Newport Campus, with tastings straight from a barrel and a token to the shop), Blend Experience (tasting evenings every Thursday – a hands-on blending experience for $90 including a 750 ml bottle), and The Hits – a guided 30-minute tasting. Several tours grant participants a $10 token to the shop with purchases over $25, and there is a 21+ age limit. The distillery is located at 24 Distillery Way in Newport and West Newport Campus at 1104 Lowell Street.

Philosophy

New Riff is defined by the motto 'Stubbornly Independent in Pursuit of Great Whiskey'. They live by full independence and describe themselves as 100% family-owned with no partners or investors, which gives them the freedom to pursue quality without short-term gains. They emphasize a strong workplace culture and an open approach, where experience and a willingness to learn go hand in hand with innovative craftsmanship. They draw inspiration from the Kentucky bourbon tradition, but strive to riff on it and redefine it through their own methods and products, while maintaining their strict standards and transparency about the process.