Collection: New Riff Distilling

Why Choose New Riff Distilling 

You should choose New Riff Distilling because they're one of the few distillers that adhere to Kentucky whiskey traditions. It's an independently-owned family distillery that adheres to the guidelines for high-quality bourbon outlined in the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. For this reason, New Riff Distilling is committed to following the Sour Mash Kentucky Regimen of the past, which includes using backsets from previous batches of whiskey. 

While New Riff Distilling is committed to traditions of the past, that doesn't mean their whiskey tastes like something from the 1800s. They placed their own unique riff on the whiskey to create new styles of Kentucky whiskey. Whiskey aside, New Riff Distilling also has gin options with fresh Kentucky botanicals, so, whether you like dark or clear spirits, there's something for everyone. 

New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

New Riff’s staple is their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It's a high-rye, full-bodied whiskey that's built upon the Bottled-in-Bond-Act, which means it's bottled without additional blends or chill filtration. As for the mash bill, you won't be disappointed. It consists of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley. Mash bill aside, you'll be pleased to find out that this bourbon has been aged in 53-gallon charred oak barrels for about four years. 

The final product is a Kentucky bourbon that's 100 proof (50% ABV), while maintaining a smooth and spicy flavor. Speaking of flavor, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has butterscotch and oak notes that you'll notice right away. This is followed by a bold mouthfeel with hints of sweet vanilla, clove, cinnamon, and even mint. For the finish, it has a long-rye finish with some hints of red/black fruits and white pepper. 

New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

New Riff Distilling's other core whiskey is their full-bodied rye whiskey. It has a mash bill that's 95% rye and 5% malted rye, so you’re getting a purely rye whiskey. Mash bill aside, it's aged for four years in charred oak barrels. This gives the whiskey a smooth and spicy flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. For the finish, you'll experience vanilla buttercream, lingering brown sugar, and a mineral, yet grassy, rye. 

Not only is New Riff’s Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey delicious, it's also potent. Like their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, it's 100 proof, which means it's 50% alcohol. The distillery recommends sipping this whiskey, but it can also be delicious when used in cocktails. 

New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin 

Kentucky Wild Gin is a New Riff Distilling staple. It's made with Kentucky botanicals, so you still get that delicious and southern Kentucky flavor. You'll find a total of 11 botanicals in this wild gin, and they're all distilled right in a copper pot, which gives you that classic gin flavor. Some of the notable botanicals you'll find in this gin include Kentucky juniper, American allspice, Persian lime, and Angelica. However, this is only scratching the surface. 

This Kentucky Wild Gin also packs a punch. It's 94 proof (47% ABV), so you'll catch a buzz quickly when sipping this gin. Speaking of sipping, once it hits your tongue, you'll experience spicy and dry botanical flavor notes that are backed by a rich rye. As it goes down, you'll be left with a smooth and tasty cirrus spice with notes of balanced juniper. 

New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin Bourbon Barreled

Like the traditional wild gin that New Riff Distilling produces, Kentucky Wild Gin Bourbon Barreled is similar in taste but with a whiskey kick. It has eleven botanicals that range from Kentucky juniper to American allspice. With each sip, you'll get a little bit of vanilla and orange flavors that pair well with an orange peel garnish. That said, you'll also experience a bit of spice due to the inclusion of New Riff Distilling’s rye whiskey. 

When it comes to alcohol content, Kentucky Wild Gin Bourbon Barreled is no slouch. It's 94 proof (47% ABV) but still manages to have that classic copper pot flavor still. To further seal the deal, this gin is aged in New Riff bourbon barrels, so you get that subtle whiskey flavor from the barrels and the spirit. 

New Riff Backsetter Bourbon 

Backsetter Bourbon is New Riff Distilling's newest innovation. Made with the same process as New Riff's flagship whiskey, this bourbon whiskey has a rich oak scent followed by a smokiness and almost nutty aroma. For the taste, it has a soft texture that complements the juicy and zesty rye. 

When it comes to the alcohol content, you won't be disappointed. This whiskey is 100 proof (50% ABV), and it contains a mash bill that you'll love. It includes 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley. New Riff’s Backsetter Bourbon also has a peated backset, which is a portion of the grain from the last batch of whiskey. 

New Riff Backsetter Rye

Like the Backsetter Bourbon, New Riff’s Backsetter Rye is a testament to classic Kentucky rye whiskey distilling. What makes this whiskey special is how it's made with the classic Sour Mash Kentucky Regiment, which includes a portion of the grain from the previous distillation. Ultimately, it incorporates a backset of peat-smoked malted barley that pairs well with the spicy whiskey flavor. 

The mash bill for this whiskey is 95% rye and 5% malted rye. It's aged for 4 years in new charred oak barrels, and it has quite the kick considering its smooth, rye flavor. At 100 proof (50% ABV), Backsetter Rye is perfect for sipping. 

New Riff Balboa Rye Whiskey

Despite sharing a name with Rocky Balboa, this Kentucky whiskey has nothing to do with the film series and pays homage to a different Balboa: the Balboa rye farmed by Charles Fogg. This rye dates back to the 1940s and has become a bit of a family heirloom. Fortunately for us, Fogg let New Riff use some of this rye for whiskey for the first time in decades. Barrel-aged like the rest of their whiskeys, Balboa Rye Whiskey is ready to impress you. 

The mash bill consists of 95% Balboa rye and 5% malted rye. This gives it a clean nose that resembles ripe oak and honey. The tasting notes include spiced fruit and spices like clove and nutmeg. While it's a smooth and delicious whiskey, it's 100 proof, so expect it to pack a punch if you plan on sipping it. 

New Riff Kentucky Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey

Kentucky Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey is another New Riff staple. It's a new riff on classic whiskey traditions that's slowly matured for seven years. This Kentucky sour mash is made in New Riff’s column beer still and doubler, and it has a wide range of malty flavors that will surprise you. 

If that's not enough to tickle your fancy, the six mash bills definitely will. Some of them include 100% Maris Otter, 100% Golden Promise, and 100% Scottish pleated barley malt. These are only a few examples of the mash bills that go into creating this 113.8-proof cask-strength whiskey. 

When it comes to the tasting notes, don't expect anything subtle. It has a layered flavor that includes spicy oak, dried fruits, and even some nutty notes. For the finish, expect a zesty and delicate fruity blend. 

New Riff Kentucky Straight Malted Rye Whiskey

Made with 100% Malted Rye Looking for something that packs a punch like no other? Their Kentucky Malted Rye Whiskey is the way to go. It's aged for 6 years and has a 100% malted rye mash bill. This gives an ABV of 50% that's accompanied by a smooth and delicious flavor and a buzz that creeps up on you. 

When it comes to the tasting notes, you'll be welcomed by a savory and floral nose that's followed by a saltwater taffy and fruity taste. It has a clove and pink peppercorn finish. 

New Riff Malster Bourbon Made with Malted Rye

To make this whiskey, New Riff went back to their roots as craft brewers and discovered that malted rye makes a delicious and smooth bourbon. Malster Bourbon Made with Malted Rye has since become one of New Riff’s staples. It has a broad oak depth that's lifted by vanilla and rye spices. As for the flavor, it has a rounded palate with hints of spice and dried fruits that you'll experience from start to finish. 

It has a mash bill that's also bound to impress. It's 65% corn, 30% malted rye, and 5% malted barley. Malster Bourbon with Malted Rye is aged for at least 5 years and maintains an ABV of 50% with every batch. 

New Riff Malster Bourbon Made with Malted Wheat

Like the Master Bourbon with Malted Rye, the Malster Bourbon Made with Malted Wheat follows the same formula, but with wheat. Unlike more traditional bourbons, it opens with a shade of dark and husky grains, but deep down, you'll still find that rich, oak flavor. While there is plenty of oak flavor, you'll also find plenty of dark fruity flavors as well. Some even say that the finish is like a bread crust with a hint of spice and grassy-grainy materials. 

When it comes to the mash bill, Malster Bourbon with Malted Wheat is 65% corn, 18% bohemian Floor-Malted Wheat, 10% unmalted wheat, and 7% dark wheat. It's aged for 5 years and comes in at a staggering 100 proof, or 50% ABV. 

New Riff Red Turkey Wheat Bourbon Whiskey

New Riff’s Red Turkey Wheat Bourbon is a whiskey you'll remember. Made with locally-grown Red Turkey Wheat, this whiskey has a unique flavor that will bring you back to the 19th century. It has a zesty taste that even opens up with some hints of citrus. On the way down, you'll find a similar flavor but with more notes of black cherry skin. You'll also notice some more subtle grain notes and dry fruit skins on the way out. 

Red Turkey Wheat Bourbon is aged for 5 years, which is why the flavor is bold, yet smooth. It's made with 70% corn, 25% red turkey wheat, and 5% malted barley. The result is a 50% ABV whiskey you'll come to love. 

New Riff Winter Whiskey

New Riff’s Winter Whiskey is a whiskey for the ages. This wintery take on classic Kentucky whiskey flavor is something you'll love to sip on during the colder months. It's a unique bourbon paired with chocolate, pale ale malt, and even steel-cut raw oats. This gives the Winter Whiskey a chocolatey taste that pairs well with the spicy and cinnamon flavor notes that you start with. 

The mash bill on this whiskey will likely shock you. It's 65% corn, 20% malted oats, 7% pale ale malt, 5% steel curtain raw oats, and 3% chocolate malt. While it's only 3%, that chocolate malt packs a massive flavor punch The whiskey is then aged for 4 years, and the result is a 100-proof wintery mix of whiskey that you'll love this holiday season. 

New Riff Distilling Whiskey Prices

New Riff Distilling is committed to bringing good-tasting whiskey to you at an affordable price. While some of their whiskeys can cost upwards of $100, you'll find that most of their whiskey and gin sits at $30-$60. At this price range, New Riff Distilling’s whiskey is perfect for sipping, mixing, or even shooting, if you like to rip some shots. FAQs Thirsty for more info on New Riff Distilling? We’ve gathered the most common questions about the distillery below. 

Where to Find New Riff Distilling Products

New Riff Distilling is new to the scene, so it's not always available at your local liquor store. However, if you’re in the Kentucky area, you might get lucky and find it in a restaurant or bar near you. Thankfully, we carry a wide range of New Riff Distilling’s options including products from their wild gin line. Therefore, you shouldn't have any issues finding it on our website. 

Who Is New Riff Distilling Right For? 

New Riff Distilling is perfect for people who crave a traditional Kentucky whiskey. It's one of the few distilleries that adheres to the classic quality outlined in the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. If you're someone who loves whiskey, you can't go wrong with New Riff Distilling’s. Moreover, New Riff Distilling is a great choice for anyone who wants to dabble in rye and bourbon whiskey. If you’re a fan of botanical gin with a Kentucky twist, you'll also love New Riff Distilling. 

Where Is New Riff Distilling Located? 

New Riff Distilling is committed to classic Kentucky whiskey, so it's no surprise that they're located right in Kentucky. The whiskey is made in Bellevue in a climate-controlled warehouse. If you want to know where the magic happens, tours are available in the facility. Aside from seeing where the whiskey and gin are made, you can sample their products and experience the taste of classic Kentucky spirits. 

Who Owns New Riff Distilling? 

New Riff Distilling is a family-owned business founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis. Lewis is an entrepreneur who has a passion for making premium whiskey, beer, and other spirits. As the owner, he led a team of craft beer enthusiasts and corporate refugees to start his dream distillery. 

Enjoy New Riff Distilling Today 

When you’re looking for a delicious Kentucky whiskey or gin, you can't go wrong with New Riff Distilling. It's one of the few distilleries that uses copper stills for gin and Kentucky sour mash for their whiskey products. For people who want to taste a classic whiskey at an affordable price, you can't go wrong with New Riff’s modern take on classic Kentucky spirits.