New Riff: A Bold New Chapter in Kentucky Distilling

Welcome to the world of Kentucky bourbon, where tradition is rich and the stories are as smooth as the whiskey itself. In this landscape of legendary distilleries, a new name has emerged, making waves with its commitment to time-honored methods and a bold, modern spirit. We’re talking about New Riff Distilling. This article will guide you through everything that makes this distillery a standout name in the world of American whiskey, from its unique history to its exceptional products.

Key Takeaways

• New Riff is a family-owned Kentucky distillery founded in 2014, focused on high-rye bourbons and rye whiskeys.
• The distillery adheres to the strict Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, ensuring high standards of quality and transparency.
• Their core philosophy is to create a “new riff” on old traditions, combining classic distilling techniques with innovative approaches.
• All their whiskeys are non-chill filtered, which preserves the natural flavors and textures of the spirit.

The Story Behind New Riff

In 2014, Ken Lewis, a visionary in the Kentucky beverage retail scene, decided to start a new chapter. Having already founded the successful party store chain The Party Source, Lewis wanted to create something lasting—a world-class distillery that would become a new Kentucky tradition. And so, New Riff was born in Newport, Kentucky, right across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. The name itself says it all: it’s about creating a “new riff” on the classic Kentucky bourbon theme, honoring the past while playing a new, exciting tune. This philosophy is at the heart of everything they do, from their mash bills to their distilling process. The distillery is independently and family-owned, which gives them the freedom to focus on quality above all else.

A Commitment to Old School Standards

From day one, the team at New Riff decided they would not take any shortcuts. In an industry where many new distilleries are tempted to release young, sourced whiskeys to generate quick revenue, New Riff took a different path. They committed to aging their own spirits for at least four years and adhering to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This federal law sets a high bar for quality, requiring the whiskey to be the product of one distillery from one distilling season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. This dedication to tradition and transparency immediately set them apart from many newcomers in the whiskey world.

What Makes New Riff Whiskey Special?

So, what’s the secret behind the incredible flavor of a New Riff bourbon or rye? It’s a combination of carefully selected ingredients, a patient process, and an unwavering commitment to quality. They don’t just make whiskey; they craft it with intention. Every step, from grain selection to bottling, is meticulously controlled to ensure the final product is something they are proud to put their name on. This attention to detail results in a spirit that is both complex and approachable, perfect for sipping neat or in a classic cocktail.

High-Rye Mash Bills

One of the defining characteristics of New Riff is its use of high-rye mash bills. Their standard bourbon, for example, contains 30% rye, which is significantly higher than many other bourbons on the market. This high rye content imparts a wonderful spicy character to the whiskey, with notes of black pepper, clove, and mint that perfectly balance the sweetness from the corn. Their rye whiskey is even bolder, made from 95% rye and 5% malted rye, delivering a powerful and flavorful experience that rye lovers adore.

Non-Chill Filtration

Another key element of the New Riff process is that all their whiskeys are non-chill filtered. Chill filtration is a common practice where whiskey is cooled and passed through a fine filter to remove certain fatty acids and proteins. While this process makes the whiskey clearer and prevents it from getting cloudy when chilled, it can also strip away some of the natural flavors and textures. By choosing not to chill filter, New Riff ensures that all the rich, complex flavors and the full-bodied mouthfeel of their whiskey remain in the bottle. This means you get a more authentic and robust tasting experience every time.

Exploring the New Riff Core Lineup

While New Riff is known for its exciting single barrel selections and special releases, its core lineup provides a fantastic introduction to the distillery’s style. These are the bottles that form the foundation of their reputation for excellence.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

This is the flagship bottle and a perfect example of the distillery’s high-rye style. Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof, it’s a beautifully balanced bourbon. On the nose, you get notes of butterscotch, oak, and a hint of vanilla. The palate is where the high rye content truly shines, with spicy notes of clove and cinnamon mingling with sweet caramel and dark fruit. The finish is long and smooth, making it a fantastic sipper. This bottle represents the heart and soul of what New Riff aims to achieve: a classic bourbon with a modern, spicy twist.

Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

For those who prefer a spicier spirit, the New Riff Rye is an absolute must-try. Made with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted rye, this whiskey is bold and unapologetic. It’s packed with flavors of black pepper, spearmint, and dark chocolate, with an underlying sweetness that keeps everything in harmony. Like the bourbon, it is Bottled-in-Bond and non-chill filtered, delivering a full-flavored experience that stands up beautifully in cocktails like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned, but is complex enough to be enjoyed on its own.

Single Barrel Selections

One of the most exciting parts of the New Riff portfolio is its Single Barrel Program. The distillery offers both bourbon and rye as single barrel expressions, bottled at barrel proof. This means each bottle comes from a single, unique barrel and is not diluted with water, resulting in a higher proof and an intensely concentrated flavor profile. Each barrel is a unique “riff” on the distillery’s profile, with some being sweeter, others spicier, and others more oak-forward. Hunting for these bottles has become a favorite pastime for whiskey enthusiasts.

The Distillery Experience

Located in Newport, Kentucky, the New Riff distillery is a modern architectural marvel. With its towering copper column still visible from the outside, it’s a beacon for whiskey lovers. The distillery offers a range of tours and experiences that provide a behind-the-scenes look at their grain-to-glass process.

A visit to the distillery is more than just a tour; it’s an education in what makes modern craft distilling so exciting. To learn more about other unique destinations and experiences, you might find some interesting ideas over at https://versaillesblog.com/.

The Future of New Riff

What started as a bold idea has quickly grown into one of the most respected new names in American whiskey. But New Riff is just getting started. The distillery has warehouses full of aging whiskey, and as those barrels continue to mature, we can expect to see older expressions and even more innovative releases. They have also been experimenting with other types of spirits, including a Kentucky Wild Gin, which showcases their creative spirit and willingness to explore beyond bourbon and rye. The team’s passion for their craft and their commitment to quality suggest that the best is yet to come. The new riff they are playing on Kentucky’s heritage is one that will be heard for many years.

Conclusion

New Riff Distilling has successfully carved out a unique space in the crowded world of American whiskey. By embracing the strict standards of the past while fearlessly innovating for the future, they have created a range of spirits that are both familiar and excitingly new. Their high-rye, Bottled-in-Bond, non-chill filtered whiskeys offer a bold and authentic tasting experience that has won over critics and consumers alike. Whether you are a seasoned bourbon drinker or new to the world of whiskey, New Riff offers a delicious and compelling story in every bottle. They are not just making whiskey; they are setting a new standard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does “Bottled-in-Bond” mean?

The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 is a set of federal regulations that ensures a spirit’s quality and authenticity. To be labeled Bottled-in-Bond, the whiskey must be the product of one distillery from a single distillation season, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV).

Why is non-chill filtered whiskey sometimes cloudy?

Non-chill filtered whiskey retains natural oils and fatty acids from the grain, which contribute to its flavor and mouthfeel. When the whiskey gets cold, these compounds can clump together, causing a harmless cloudiness or haze. This is a sign of a full-flavored, minimally processed spirit.

Where can I buy New Riff whiskey?

New Riff has expanded its distribution significantly since its first release. It is available in many states across the U.S. at well-stocked liquor stores. You can also find it for sale at the distillery in Newport, Kentucky, and through select online retailers, depending on your state’s laws.

Is New Riff considered a “craft” distillery?

Yes, New Riff is widely considered a craft distillery. Despite its impressive scale and modern facility, it is family-owned and focuses on producing its own spirits from scratch with a strong emphasis on quality, transparency, and traditional methods, which are all hallmarks of the craft distilling movement.