New Riff Distillery: A Modern Take on Kentucky Bourbon

Welcome to the world of Kentucky bourbon, where tradition is as rich as the spirit itself. While many distilleries boast centuries of history, a newer player is making waves by honoring the past while forging a bold new future. That player is the new riff distillery. Located in Newport, Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati, this modern distillery has quickly earned a reputation for its high-quality, unfiltered whiskeys and its commitment to transparency. If you’re curious about what makes this place so special, you’ve come to the right spot. We’ll take a deep dive into the story, the spirits, and the unique philosophy behind the new riff distillery.

This distillery is not just another name on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail; it’s a destination for enthusiasts who appreciate innovation rooted in classic methods. They have built a loyal following by creating spirits that are both complex and approachable. From their signature Bottled-in-Bond bourbon to their experimental gin creations, every bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and passion.

Key Takeaways

• A Modern Distillery with Old School Values: The new riff distillery was founded in 2014 with a commitment to meeting the highest quality standards, including the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.
• Unfiltered and Full-Flavored: All whiskeys produced are non-chill filtered, preserving the natural flavors, aromas, and textures from the barrel.
• Focus on Rye: The distillery uses a high-rye mash bill for its bourbon and also produces a 100% rye whiskey, creating spirits with a signature spicy character.
• Transparency and Innovation: From detailed information on their labels to unique single-barrel selections, they embrace openness and creativity.

The Story Behind New Riff Distillery

Every great story has a beginning. The story of the new riff distillery started in 2014, but its roots go deeper. It was founded by Ken Lewis, a visionary entrepreneur who had already made a significant mark on the Kentucky beverage scene as the owner of The Party Source, a massive and beloved liquor store. Lewis saw an opportunity to create something new—a “new riff” on the grand tradition of Kentucky distilling. He wanted to build a distillery from the ground up that was unapologetically modern yet deeply respectful of time-honored whiskey-making practices.

The mission was clear: to produce world-class spirits without compromise. This meant investing in top-of-the-line equipment, sourcing the best local grains, and patiently waiting for the whiskey to mature properly. The distillery is strategically located on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, bridging the gap between major hubs like Louisville and Lexington. This location makes it an accessible and exciting stop for bourbon lovers exploring the region, much like the historic charm you might find exploring places on the https://versaillesblog.com/. The team at new riff distillery has never rushed their process, ensuring that every drop of whiskey that leaves their facility is a true representation of their commitment to excellence.

What is Bottled-in-Bond?

One of the core principles at the new riff distillery is its dedication to the Bottled-in-Bond standard. You’ll see this designation proudly displayed on their flagship bourbon and rye. But what does it actually mean? The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 was one of America’s first consumer protection laws. It was created to ensure the quality and authenticity of American whiskey at a time when additives and trickery were common.

To be labeled “Bottled-in-Bond,” a spirit must meet several strict criteria:

• It must be the product of one distillation season (either January-June or July-December).
• It must be produced by one distiller at one distillery.
• It must be aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years.
• It must be bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume).

By adhering to these rigorous standards, the new riff distillery provides a guarantee of quality and transparency. This commitment shows they aren’t taking shortcuts and are dedicated to producing whiskey the right way, letting the ingredients and the aging process speak for themselves.

The Heart of the Spirit: The Mash Bill

The recipe of grains used to make a whiskey is called the mash bill, and it is the foundation of the spirit’s flavor profile. The new riff distillery is famous for its high-rye recipes, which give their whiskeys a distinctive spicy and complex character.

Bourbon’s High-Rye Recipe

Their flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey uses a mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley. The high percentage of rye (most bourbons use between 8-15%) is a deliberate choice. It adds notes of black pepper, clove, and mint, which beautifully balance the sweetness from the corn. This creates a bourbon that is robust and flavorful, perfect for sipping neat or standing up boldly in a cocktail.

A 100% Rye Whiskey

For the rye enthusiasts, the new riff distillery goes all in with its Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. This spirit is made from a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted rye. This recipe is a nod to the classic American ryes of the past, delivering an intense and spicy flavor profile. You can expect notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and dark fruit, all wrapped in a wonderfully rich and chewy texture. It’s a powerful statement about the distillery’s love for this classic American grain.

Why Non-Chill Filtered Matters

If you look closely at a bottle from the new riff distillery, you’ll notice the words “Non-Chill Filtered.” This is another crucial element of their production philosophy. Chill filtration is a common process in the whiskey industry where the spirit is cooled to a low temperature and passed through a fine filter before bottling. This process removes certain fatty acids and proteins that can cause the whiskey to look cloudy when it gets cold or when water is added.

While it makes the whiskey look clear, chill filtration can also strip away some of the oils and esters that contribute to its flavor and mouthfeel. The team at new riff distillery believes that these components are essential to the whiskey’s character. By choosing not to chill filter, they preserve the full, rich texture and a deeper range of flavors. A slight haze in your glass is a sign that you are getting all the goodness the barrel has to offer.

The Distillery Experience: Tours and Tastings

Visiting the new riff distillery is an experience in itself. They have created a welcoming and educational environment for guests who want to see where the magic happens. The distillery offers several tour options that give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at their entire operation, from the massive column still to the barrel warehouses where the whiskey patiently ages.

The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, ready to answer any questions you might have about the distilling process. The tour typically concludes with a tasting, where you can sample their core lineup of spirits. This tasting is often a highlight, as it allows you to experience the direct results of their unique mash bills and production methods. For anyone interested in American whiskey, a tour of the new riff distillery is a must-do, offering a firsthand look at one of the most exciting producers in Kentucky today.

Tasting Notes of Core Products

Beyond Bourbon: The Experimental Side

While bourbon and rye are their bread and butter, the new riff distillery isn’t afraid to experiment. This innovative spirit is part of what makes them so exciting to follow. One of their most popular non-whiskey products is the Kentucky Wild Gin. Unlike most gins that use a neutral grain spirit, New Riff uses their own rye whiskey distillate as the base. This gives the gin a unique character before any botanicals are even added.

They then infuse it with a blend of classic and local botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and angelica root, along with wild foraged Kentucky ingredients. The result is a gin that is both familiar and strikingly different, with a spicy, complex backbone that makes it incredible in cocktails. These “riffs” on tradition extend to other limited releases, such as their Balboa Rye and various malted grain experiments, giving whiskey lovers something new to discover continuously.

The Single Barrel Program

For those seeking a truly unique expression, the new riff distillery offers a robust single barrel program. A single barrel whiskey is just what it sounds like: a whiskey that is bottled from one individual barrel instead of being blended with others. This means that each barrel offers a one-of-a-kind flavor profile. Due to subtle differences in the wood, its location in the warehouse, and the aging process, no two barrels are exactly alike.

These single barrel selections are often bottled at barrel proof, meaning they are not diluted with water before bottling. This offers an intense, uncut, and unfiltered tasting experience that is highly sought after by connoisseurs. The distillery’s single barrel program allows retail stores and private groups to select their own barrels, resulting in a wide variety of unique and exceptional bottles available on the market. It’s a treasure hunt for whiskey fans, with each bottle providing a distinct snapshot of the distillery’s craft.

Conclusion

The new riff distillery has successfully carved out a unique identity in the crowded landscape of American whiskey. By blending a deep respect for tradition with a fresh, innovative approach, they have created a lineup of spirits that are both authentic and exciting. Their commitment to high-rye mash bills, the Bottled-in-Bond standard, and non-chill filtration results in whiskeys that are bold, complex, and full of character. Whether you are a seasoned bourbon drinker or new to the world of whiskey, the new riff distillery offers a compelling story and an even more compelling glass of spirits. It stands as a shining example of how a “new riff” on old traditions can create something truly spectacular.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where is the new riff distillery located?
The new riff distillery is located at 24 Distillery Way, Newport, Kentucky, 41071. It’s situated on the banks of the Ohio River, directly across from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.

Q2: Is New Riff Bourbon a “wheated” bourbon?
No, it is the opposite. New Riff Bourbon is a “high-rye” bourbon, using 30% rye in its mash bill. Wheated bourbons substitute wheat for rye as the secondary flavoring grain, resulting in a softer, sweeter profile. New Riff’s high-rye recipe gives it a spicier character.

Q3: What does “non-chill filtered” mean for the whiskey?
Non-chill filtered means the whiskey has not been put through a filtration process that removes natural oils and compounds. This preserves the full flavor and rich texture of the whiskey but may cause it to appear slightly cloudy when chilled, which is perfectly natural.

Q4: How old is the standard New Riff bourbon?
The standard new riff distillery bourbon and rye are aged for at least four years to meet the Bottled-in-Bond requirement.

Q5: Can I buy directly from the new riff distillery?
Yes, the distillery has a gift shop where you can purchase their products, including some distillery-exclusive releases and single-barrel selections. Their products are also distributed to many states across the U.S.