In the heart of Newport, Kentucky, lies the captivating story of New Riff Distilling. This modern distillery was established in 2014 by Ken Lewis, a seasoned industry veteran with a vision to create world-class spirits with a focus on transparency and authenticity. New Riff Distilling takes its name from the concept of forging a “new riff” in the whiskey world, where tradition and innovation harmonize to produce outstanding handcrafted spirits.
From its inception, New Riff Distilling has set itself apart by adhering to traditional whiskey-making principles while embracing contemporary techniques to push the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship. Located just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, the distillery enjoys a prime location in the heart of a region steeped in bourbon heritage. This proximity to bourbon country provides the distillery with access to top-notch ingredients and a rich cultural heritage that influences its approach to whiskey production.
At New Riff Distilling, the passion for whiskey-making is palpable in every step of the process. The distillery uses only the finest non-GMO grains sourced from local farms, ensuring the utmost quality and traceability of its raw materials. Each batch of whiskey is crafted using time-honored methods, including a painstaking process of fermentation, distillation, and aging in new charred oak barrels. This adherence to traditional techniques pays homage to the legacy of Kentucky bourbon while adding a new chapter to the story of American whiskey.
One of the hallmarks of New Riff Distilling is its commitment to transparency and authenticity. The distillery proudly practices a strict adherence to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which guarantees that the whiskey is the genuine product of a single distillery, made in one distillation season, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. This level of transparency not only instills confidence in consumers but also reflects the distillery’s dedication to producing the highest quality spirits.
Beyond its core bourbons, New Riff Distilling is also known for its innovative approach to whiskey-making. The distillery releases limited-edition expressions that showcase creative blends, unique cask finishes, and experimental aging techniques. These releases exemplify the adventurous spirit of New Riff Distilling and delight whiskey enthusiasts with exciting new flavor profiles and sensory experiences.
In addition to its whiskey offerings, New Riff Distilling has expanded its portfolio to include other spirits, such as gin and bourbon-based liqueurs. The distillery’s gin, made using a unique blend of botanicals, has garnered critical acclaim for its balance of traditional and contemporary elements. This diversification of products demonstrates the distillery’s versatility and willingness to explore different spirit categories while maintaining a commitment to craftsmanship.
The dedication to quality extends to New Riff Distilling’s state-of-the-art facility. The distillery boasts a custom-designed, energy-efficient system that ensures precise control over the distillation process. Furthermore, the distillery operates a tasting room and event space, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of whiskey-making and experience the passion and innovation that define New Riff Distilling.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of New Riff Distilling’s philosophy. The distillery actively participates in local initiatives and supports charitable organizations, contributing to the betterment of its community. This spirit of giving back reflects the values that underpin the distillery’s identity and sets a positive example for other businesses to follow.
As New Riff Distilling continues to make its mark in the spirits industry, its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and community remains unwavering. With each bottle of whiskey and gin, the distillery aims to create a lasting impression on the palates and hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. As the story of New Riff Distilling unfolds, it is evident that its journey is one of passion, authenticity, and a deep reverence for the time-honored art of whiskey-making.
With each passing year, New Riff Distilling has garnered a growing number of accolades and recognition from whiskey enthusiasts and industry experts alike. Its dedication to quality and innovation has earned it numerous awards, solidifying its position as a notable player in the competitive world of spirits. The distillery’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is also commendable, as it continually seeks to minimize its ecological footprint and promote responsible practices within the industry.
Visitors to New Riff Distilling are treated to an immersive experience that goes beyond simply tasting spirits. The distillery offers guided tours, allowing guests to witness the art of whiskey-making up close and learn about the intricate processes involved in producing New Riff’s exceptional spirits. From grain to glass, every step of the journey is unveiled, offering a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
The tasting room at New Riff Distilling is a hub of sensory exploration, where guests can savor a wide range of spirits and engage in conversations with knowledgeable staff. The warm and welcoming ambiance of the space, coupled with the passion exuded by the team, creates a memorable and educational experience for all who visit. Whether visitors are seasoned whiskey connoisseurs or newcomers to the world of spirits, they are sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for the craft and a desire to return.
New Riff Distilling has also embraced digital platforms and social media to connect with a broader audience of whiskey enthusiasts. Through engaging content, virtual tastings, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, the distillery fosters a sense of community among its followers. This online presence allows New Riff to extend its reach and share its passion for whiskey with enthusiasts far beyond its physical location.
As a relatively young distillery, New Riff has quickly become a beloved and respected name within the whiskey community. Its commitment to producing high-quality, authentic spirits has earned it a loyal following of aficionados eager to try each new release. The distillery’s limited-edition bottlings are highly sought after and often sell out quickly, a testament to the trust that consumers place in New Riff Distilling’s ability to deliver exceptional products.
The success of New Riff Distilling goes beyond the boundaries of its local region. Its reputation has reached far and wide, attracting the attention of whiskey enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe. As the distillery continues to expand its distribution channels, more people have the opportunity to experience the unique flavors and character of its spirits, solidifying New Riff’s presence on the international stage.
New Riff Distilling is not content to rest on its laurels. The team continually seeks new ways to innovate and refine their craft, always striving to push the boundaries of what is possible in whiskey-making. From experimenting with new grain combinations to exploring unique cask finishes, the distillery remains dedicated to offering fresh and exciting expressions that capture the essence of its adventurous spirit.
In conclusion, New Riff Distilling stands as a shining example of the power of passion, innovation, and commitment in the world of spirits. From its humble beginnings in Newport, Kentucky, it has grown into a respected and celebrated distillery known for producing exceptional whiskeys and spirits. With a focus on transparency, sustainability, and community engagement, New Riff sets itself apart as a brand that not only creates exceptional products but also embodies the values that define a responsible and forward-thinking enterprise. As the legacy of New Riff Distilling continues to unfold, it is poised to leave an indelible mark on the whiskey world for generations to come.
