The Journey of New Riff Distillery
Founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, a former Kentucky liquor retailer and entrepreneur, New Riff Distillery has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality spirits. With a strong focus on traditional methods and innovative techniques, the distillery crafts exceptional bourbon, rye, and even gin. Committed to the Bottled in Bond standards, New Riff ensures that all their whiskeys are aged for at least four years and bottled without chill filtration. This dedication results in robust and authentic flavors that appeal to both whiskey aficionados and newcomers alike.
Recommended Whiskeys from New Riff
New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
A high-rye bourbon with a mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, this expression is aged for four years. It delivers a full-bodied, spicy character with notes of vanilla, caramel, and rye spice. Bottled in Bond and non-chill filtered, it offers a pure and unadulterated whiskey experience.
Try it here: New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
Each bottle of New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon is drawn from individual barrels, allowing for unique flavor variations. With deeper notes of caramel, oak, and spice, each selection provides a distinct and personalized tasting experience. This non-chill filtered bourbon offers a bold yet balanced profile that reflects the craftsmanship of New Riff Distillery.
Try it here: New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin
Distilled with wild-foraged botanicals, New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin brings a fresh and vibrant profile to the craft spirits scene. With juniper as the backbone, floral and citrus notes shine through, making it a versatile gin for both classic and contemporary cocktails.
Try it here: New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin
New Riff Whiskey Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does New Riff Distill Their Bourbon?
Yes, New Riff distills all of their bourbon in-house at their state-of-the-art facility in Newport, Kentucky. The distillery is dedicated to producing a range of high-quality whiskeys, including bourbon and rye, while maintaining traditional production methods. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every bottle of New Riff whiskey reflects their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
2. Does New Riff Use MGP?
In its early years, while waiting for its own distillate to mature, New Riff sourced high-rye bourbon from MGP under the brand name O.K.I. However, since releasing their own aged products, they have completely transitioned to in-house distillation. The O.K.I. brand was later acquired by Chad Brizendine and Jake Warm and relaunched in 2020 as a separate brand from New Riff. Today, New Riff focuses exclusively on producing its own unique spirits, reinforcing its identity as an independent craft distillery. As of early 2025, New Riff is one of only a handful of craft bourbon distilleries available in all 50 states, further solidifying its national presence and reputation for quality.
