Step into the world of New Riff Distillery, where time-honored traditions meet innovative craftsmanship to produce exceptional spirits. Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky, New Riff has emerged as a beacon of quality and artistry in the bourbon industry. With their unwavering commitment to producing small-batch, high-quality spirits, New Riff has captured the hearts and palates of whiskey enthusiasts far and wide.

What is New Riff Distillery known for?

New Riff Distillery is known for producing high-quality craft spirits, particularly bourbon whiskey. It is located in Newport, Kentucky, and has gained a reputation for its dedication to traditional distilling methods and attention to detail in the production process.

New Riff Distillery is particularly acclaimed for its bourbon whiskey, which is made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. They follow the strict guidelines of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, ensuring that their bourbon meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

The distillery focuses on small-batch production, allowing them to maintain a hands-on approach and carefully control the entire production process. They source their grains locally and emphasize the use of non-GMO ingredients. New Riff also takes pride in their commitment to environmental sustainability, employing energy-efficient systems and recycling practices.

Apart from bourbon, New Riff Distillery also produces other spirits such as rye whiskey, single malt whiskey, and gin. They strive to create unique flavor profiles while honoring the heritage and traditions of American whiskey production.

Overall, New Riff Distillery has gained recognition for its craftsmanship, dedication to quality, and its contribution to the revival of the bourbon industry in Kentucky.

Where is New Riff Distillery located?

New Riff Distillery is located in Newport, Kentucky, United States. It is situated along the banks of the Ohio River, just across from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The distillery’s address is:

24 Distillery Way Newport, KY 41073

Visitors can tour the distillery, participate in tastings, and learn about the production process. The location provides a picturesque setting, with views of the river and the Cincinnati skyline.

What products does New Riff Distillery produce?

New Riff Distillery produces a range of craft spirits, including the following products:

1. Bourbon Whiskey: New Riff is particularly known for its bourbon whiskey. They produce a variety of bourbons, including their flagship New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which is made with a high-rye mash bill.
2. Rye Whiskey: New Riff also produces rye whiskey, known for its spicy and robust flavor profile. Their rye whiskey is made with a mash bill that emphasizes rye grain.
3. Single Malt Whiskey: In addition to bourbon and rye, New Riff Distillery produces single malt whiskey. This style of whiskey is typically associated with Scotland, but New Riff puts its own American twist on it.
4. Gin: New Riff produces a gin called “New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin.” This gin is crafted using a variety of botanicals, including local and regional flavors, resulting in a unique and flavorful spirit.

Each of these products is crafted with a focus on quality, using traditional distilling methods and locally sourced ingredients. New Riff Distillery takes pride in its attention to detail and the craftsmanship that goes into producing their spirits.

Can I visit New Riff Distillery for a tour or tasting?

Yes, you can visit New Riff Distillery for a tour and tasting experience. The distillery welcomes visitors and offers tours that provide insights into their production process, history, and the craft of whiskey making. During the tour, you can learn about their unique approach to distilling and the specific characteristics of their spirits.

Tastings are also available, allowing you to sample a selection of New Riff’s products and experience their flavors firsthand. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the tasting, providing information about each spirit and helping you appreciate their distinct qualities.

It’s always a good idea to check New Riff Distillery’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour schedules, availability, and any specific requirements or restrictions that may be in place. This ensures you have the most accurate and relevant details for planning your visit.

What makes New Riff Distillery’s spirits unique?

New Riff Distillery’s spirits are known for their unique qualities, and several factors contribute to their distinctiveness:

1. High-Quality Ingredients: New Riff sources their grains locally, emphasizing the use of non-GMO ingredients. This commitment to quality ingredients from nearby farms contributes to the unique flavor profiles of their spirits.
2. Traditional Distilling Methods: The distillery follows traditional distilling techniques, paying homage to the heritage and craftsmanship of American whiskey production. They employ hands-on methods and carefully control every step of the process, resulting in spirits with character and depth.
3. Flavorful Mash Bills: New Riff offers a variety of spirits with different mash bills, including their bourbons, rye whiskey, and single malt whiskey. Each mash bill contributes specific flavor profiles, ranging from the rich and robust characteristics of bourbon to the spicy and complex notes of rye whiskey.
4. Bottled-in-Bond Standards: New Riff Distillery adheres to the stringent guidelines of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 for their bourbon whiskey. This ensures that their bourbon meets specific criteria, including being aged for at least four years in new charred oak barrels and being produced in a single distilling season by one distiller at one distillery. This commitment to Bottled-in-Bond standards adds an extra level of quality and authenticity to their bourbon.
5. Attention to Detail: New Riff Distillery prides itself on its attention to detail throughout the production process. From the selection of ingredients to the aging and bottling stages, they strive to maintain consistency and quality in every batch of their spirits.

These factors combine to create spirits that are distinct and reflective of New Riff Distillery’s commitment to craftsmanship, flavor, and the traditions of American whiskey-making.

Is New Riff Distillery a craft distillery?

Yes, New Riff Distillery is considered a craft distillery. Craft distilleries are typically characterized by their small-scale production, hands-on approach, and emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. New Riff fits these criteria as they focus on small-batch production, allowing for greater attention to detail and quality control.

Does New Riff Distillery offer any limited edition or special releases?

Yes, New Riff Distillery offers limited edition and special releases in addition to their core lineup of spirits. These releases are often highly anticipated by whiskey enthusiasts and collectors. While specific offerings may vary from year to year, here are a few examples of their limited edition and special releases:

Yes, New Riff Distillery offers limited edition and special releases in addition to their core lineup of spirits. These releases are often highly anticipated by whiskey enthusiasts and collectors. While specific offerings may vary from year to year, here are a few examples of their limited edition and special releases:

1. Single Barrel Selections: New Riff occasionally releases single barrel expressions of their bourbon and rye whiskey. These bottles are sourced from individual barrels that are carefully selected for their exceptional flavor profiles. Single barrel releases provide a unique opportunity to experience the nuances and characteristics of a specific barrel.
2. Winter Whiskey: New Riff has released special editions of their bourbon called “Winter Whiskey.” These limited releases often feature unique barrel finishes, experimental mash bills, or distinctive aging techniques. They offer whiskey enthusiasts a chance to explore innovative expressions from New Riff.
3. Single Barrel Rye: New Riff has also released limited editions of their rye whiskey in the form of single barrel expressions. These bottles showcase the distinct flavor profiles of individual rye whiskey barrels, allowing enthusiasts to experience the richness and complexity of each unique selection.
4. Experimental Series: New Riff occasionally releases experimental spirits as part of their Experimental Series. These releases may include unique mash bills, different grain combinations, or alternative aging methods. The Experimental Series allows the distillery to showcase their creativity and push the boundaries of whiskey production.

How long has New Riff Distillery been in operation?

New Riff Distillery has been in operation since 2014. It was founded by Ken Lewis, who had a passion for whiskey and a vision to revive the bourbon industry in Northern Kentucky. The distillery’s location in Newport, Kentucky, was carefully chosen to be close to the heart of the bourbon country and the Ohio River, which played a significant role in the transportation of bourbon barrels historically.

After years of planning and construction, New Riff Distillery officially opened its doors in 2014, marking the beginning of its production of bourbon, rye whiskey, and other spirits. Since then, the distillery has gained recognition for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to producing high-quality spirits that reflect the traditions of American whiskey-making.

Has New Riff Distillery won any awards or recognition?

Yes, New Riff Distillery has received numerous awards and recognition for their spirits. Some notable accolades include:

1. San Francisco World Spirits Competition: New Riff’s spirits have earned several medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For example, their New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon won a Double Gold Medal in 2019 and a Gold Medal in 2020.
2. Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky America: New Riff Distillery was named the Craft Producer of the Year in 2019 by Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky America. This recognition highlights their dedication to craftsmanship and the quality of their spirits.
3. Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible: New Riff’s bourbons and single malt whiskies have been featured and reviewed in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, a renowned guide to whiskies worldwide.
4. Distillery of the Year: In 2020, New Riff Distillery was named “Distillery of the Year” by one of the leading whiskey publications, Whisky Advocate. This award recognizes the distillery’s overall excellence and contribution to the industry.

Are there any cocktail recipes that incorporate New Riff Distillery spirits?

Certainly! Here are a few cocktail recipes that incorporate New Riff Distillery spirits:

1. Bourbon Old Fashioned:

• 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp of sugar)
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions: Place the sugar cube in a glass and saturate it with bitters. Muddle the sugar and bitters together until dissolved. Add ice and pour in the bourbon. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with an orange peel twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it in the glass.

2. Rye Manhattan:

• 2 oz New Riff Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions: Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir gently until well chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

3. Kentucky Mule:

• 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions: Fill a copper mug with ice. Add bourbon and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.

4. New Riff Negroni:

• 1 oz New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions: Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange peel twist.

These recipes are just a starting point, and you can always modify them to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and ratios to create your own unique cocktails using New Riff Distillery spirits.

Conclusion

New Riff Distillery stands as a testament to the timeless traditions of bourbon-making and the boundless possibilities of innovation. With their unwavering commitment to quality, dedication to craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the art of distillation, they have earned their place among the esteemed distilleries of Kentucky. Every bottle from New Riff Distillery tells a story, and with each sip, you embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of flavors. Raise your glass to New Riff Distillery, where tradition meets innovation, and exceptional bourbon is born.