New Riff Distilling - Crafting Kentucky Bourbon Stories
Imagine a place where the rich tradition of Kentucky bourbon meets a fresh, city feel. It's a spot where every sip tells a story, and the folks making it are truly passionate about what they do. This isn't just any distillery; it's a place that's making waves, offering something a little different from the usual, and it's right there for you to find. You might be surprised at how much heart and careful work goes into each bottle, bringing a new kind of spirit to life in a very old industry.
Right across the river from Cincinnati, in Newport, Kentucky, sits a spot that's become a real talking point among those who enjoy good spirits. This is New Riff Distilling, a place that, in a way, brings a fresh take to the time-honored craft of making bourbon. It's a chance to see how a smaller operation can stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names out there, all while keeping things personal and, you know, very much about the experience.
Since starting up in 2014, the people at New Riff have been working hard to build something truly special. They've aimed to become one of the best smaller distilleries anywhere, and they're really quite excited to share what they've been doing. From their earliest days, they've focused on quality and making sure every bottle is something they can be proud of, which, honestly, shows in what they put out.
Table of Contents
- A Warm Welcome to New Riff
- What Makes New Riff's Spirits Special?
- How Does New Riff Ensure Quality?
- Can You Visit New Riff and Pick Your Own Barrel?
- What's Next for New Riff?
A Warm Welcome to New Riff
Stepping into New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky, feels a bit like finding a hidden gem. It’s a place that offers what you might call an urban bourbon experience, something a little different from the sprawling countryside distilleries you often hear about. Here, you get to see how a modern approach mixes with old ways, all within a city setting. It’s pretty cool, actually, how they’ve made a spot that feels both new and deeply rooted in tradition.
The whole idea behind New Riff, you know, was to create a different kind of bourbon story. It’s about being right there in the city, making spirits that stand out, and inviting people to be a part of it. They've put a lot of thought into making their place somewhere you can learn and have a good time, whether you're just starting to explore bourbon or you've been a fan for ages. It's a friendly place, and that's something you notice right away.
New Riff's Founding Story
The story of New Riff really starts with Ken Lewis. He opened the doors in the spring of 2014, right there in Newport, Kentucky, which is, like, just on the other side of the river from Cincinnati. It’s been an interesting ten years since New Riff Distilling first got going, a period of constant work and a strong desire to make something truly great. Ken's vision was pretty clear from the start: to build a distillery that would earn its place among the very best, even if it was a smaller operation.
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They’ve been working hard since then, aiming to become one of the world's great smaller distilleries. It’s a goal that, in some respects, shapes everything they do. They’re excited to bring their spirits to more people, and you can tell that passion runs deep. This isn't just about making whiskey; it's about building a legacy, one bottle at a time, and really putting their heart into it. It’s a long road, but they’ve been on it for a while now, and they seem to be doing pretty well.
What Makes New Riff's Spirits Special?
So, what sets New Riff's spirits apart from others you might have tasted? Well, it comes down to a few key things they do. For one, they are very particular about their ingredients and how they put everything together. They're not just following a recipe; they're, sort of, trying to make something that has its own distinct character. This attention to detail is something they really pride themselves on, and it shows in the final product.
One of their main offerings is a bottled-in-bond bourbon. For example, they had a batch that was distilled in 2017 and then put into bottles in 2021. This "bottled-in-bond" label means a lot, as it points to a very specific way of making whiskey that guarantees a certain level of purity and age. It's a promise of quality, really, and it's something they stick to across all their spirits. They're pretty serious about this standard, and that's a big part of their identity.
New Riff's Water and Mash
A big part of what makes New Riff's spirits unique is their water source. They use water from an ancient aquifer, which is a natural underground water supply. This water has been filtering through layers of rock for a very long time, giving it a certain purity and mineral makeup that you just can't get from city tap water. It's a natural gift, in a way, and it really contributes to the taste of their bourbon and rye. They understand that good water is a core ingredient, so they don't mess around with it.
Then there's their sour mash technique. This is a traditional method where a portion of the spent mash from a previous distillation is added to a new batch. It's a bit like using a sourdough starter for bread; it helps keep the fermentation consistent and adds a particular flavor profile. This technique, along with their carefully chosen mashbill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, gives their bourbon its distinctive taste. It’s a combination that, you know, they’ve worked hard to perfect, making sure everything plays well together.
How Does New Riff Ensure Quality?
When it comes to making sure their spirits are top-notch, New Riff has some pretty strict rules they follow. They don't just hope for the best; they have specific practices that, more or less, guarantee a certain level of excellence. One of the biggest things they do is make sure all their spirits are bottled in bond. This isn't just a fancy phrase; it's a commitment to a very particular way of making whiskey that has been around for a long time and is well-respected in the industry.
Another thing they do to keep their quality high is that they never chill filter their spirits. What this means is they don't cool the whiskey down to remove certain natural compounds that can make it look cloudy. These compounds, like fatty acids and proteins, actually add to the taste and texture of the whiskey. By not chill filtering, they keep all those good things in the bottle, ensuring you get the full flavor and mouthfeel they intended. It’s a choice that, honestly, many whiskey lovers really appreciate.
New Riff's Bottled-in-Bond Promise
The "bottled-in-bond" promise is a big deal for New Riff. It means their bourbon is made by one distiller during one distillation season, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). It's a standard that, quite frankly, ensures purity and authenticity. Their bourbon, for example, is bottled without chill filtration at 100 proof with that mashbill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley we talked about earlier. This isn't just a set of rules; it's a badge of honor, showing their dedication to traditional methods and a very high standard of quality.
This commitment to the bottled-in-bond standard is something they apply to all their spirits. It’s a way of saying, "Look, we're doing things the right way, the old way, but with a new spirit." You can read reviews that talk about its nose, palate, finish, and how it stands out. People often mention its uniqueness and value, saying it competes well with the big guys in the industry. It's a testament to their approach, really, that a relatively newer distillery can hold its own so well against long-established names.
Can You Visit New Riff and Pick Your Own Barrel?
Yes, you absolutely can! New Riff is not just a place where they make whiskey; it’s also a spot where they welcome visitors to come and see things for themselves. They have a tasting room in Newport, Kentucky, and it's a great place to stop by and sample what they’ve been working on. They're very keen on making the experience, you know, an engaging one, not just a quick stop. It's about getting a feel for the place and the people behind the bottles.
Beyond just tasting, New Riff prides itself on creating an educational and engaging barrel selection experience. This is every bit as singular as the barrel you are about to pick, they say. It means you can actually go through the process of choosing a barrel of whiskey that will then be bottled just for you or your group. It's a very personal way to connect with the product and understand the nuances that come from different barrels. It's, honestly, a pretty cool opportunity for anyone who's really into bourbon.
Exploring New Riff's Offerings
When you look at what New Riff has to offer, there's quite a bit to discover. You can learn about its history, the way they make things, and all their different products. They have some unique features, like that ancient aquifer water source and their sour mash technique, which we talked about. You can read tasting notes, see scores, and get a quick summary of their bourbon, which, as many folks say, really does stand up against those from much larger distilleries. It’s a bit of an underdog story, in a way, but one that’s doing really well.
Their releases often join their "High Note" limited edition lineup, and these are sometimes available exclusively through the New Riff Whiskey Club. This club is a way for dedicated fans to get their hands on some of the more special and harder-to-find bottles. For instance, the New Riff 8-year Kentucky bourbon marks a real achievement for the company, showing how far they’ve come in a relatively short time. It’s a sign of their growth and their continued commitment to putting out interesting and high-quality spirits. They’re always, it seems, working on something new and exciting for their fans.
What's Next for New Riff?
Looking ahead, New Riff seems set to keep pushing the boundaries and growing their reputation. They're always, you know, thinking about what's next and how they can continue to innovate while staying true to their roots. You can often find the latest press coverage about New Riff Distilling, including stories about their bottled-in-bond bourbon and rye whiskey, which shows they're getting a lot of attention for their good work. It’s clear they’re not resting on their laurels; they’re always striving to improve and expand what they offer.
They’ve been drawing on their own experience and the lessons learned over the past decade to guide their path forward. The journey since Ken Lewis opened the doors in 2014 has been, in a way, a continuous learning process, and they’ve used that knowledge to refine their craft. They continue to focus on creating educational and engaging experiences for those who visit, making sure that every interaction is as memorable as the spirits themselves. It’s a pretty exciting time for them, and you can tell they're just getting started.
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