New Riff Distilling’s core Bourbon expression is a genuinely high-rye, full bodied whiskey offering savory, spicy character, featuring a mash bill of non-GMO grains at 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley. Aged four years in 53-gallon toasted and charred new oak barrels, there are no shortcuts taken in our production. All New Riff whiskeys are made with the full sour mash Kentucky Regimen; all carry an age statement, and are always bottled in bond without chill filtration.
AGE: 4 Years Old
MASHBILL: 65% Corn 30% Rye 5% Malted Barley
Bottled in Bond without Chill Filtration
100 Proof (ABV 50%)
We're a New Riff on an Old Tradition.
Established 2014.
We are a new riff on an old tradition, that tradition or theme being Kentucky Bourbon. Founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, a visionary Kentucky liquor retailer and entrepreneur, New Riff is led by a team of corporate refugees ranging from craft beer to politics and more. New Riff crafts a range of whiskeys—Bourbon, Rye, and eventually Malted Rye and a host of specialty recipes—as well as Kentucky Wild Gin. Our mission is simple: to someday be counted among the world’s great small distilleries. Becoming one of the great small distilleries of the world is a long term play, with no exact ring to win, or title to be declared.
We are independently owned by one family, and that independence, the freedom from outside pressures and interests has allowed us to make an unforeseen declaration for quality: for perhaps the first time since the inception of the Bottled in Bond Act in 1897, a Kentucky sour mash whiskey distillery has committed itself exclusively to that quality standard, the world’s highest. And we proudly lift that bar even higher by bottling without chill filtration. We stand behind this combination of classic American entrepreneurship and ingenuity; passion and knowledge born from one of the world’s great spirit regions; and a talented team individually committed to doing things the right way.
We are inspired by the great Bourbon makers of the past and the wider tradition in Kentucky—but we will play our own riff, on the Sour Mash Kentucky Regimen, both with our standard of Bottled in Bond Without Chill Filtration, and through applying that production regimen to wholly new styles of Kentucky whiskey. Yet we also observe the tremendous whiskey history of Greater Cincinnati, and we inhale that rye-rich backstory as well. At the end of the day, despite playing a free hand to improvise and create Kentucky whiskey anew, we uphold above all else the time-honored Sour Mash Kentucky Regimen: we believe it’s a fantastic way to make whiskey, fully the equal of the traditions of the world’s great whiskeys.
Nose
Rich and inviting, with a savory, spicy character dominated by rye and complemented by deep, sweet corn notes. There's a warm, toasted oak aroma mingling with hints of vanilla and caramel.
Taste
The high rye content shines through with bold spice, offering notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and clove. The sweetness from the corn is balanced by a touch of vanilla cream and caramel, adding depth. The malted barley brings a subtle roundness to the flavor profile, creating a robust, full-bodied experience.
Finish
The finish is long and warm, with lingering spice from the rye, a slight smokiness from the toasted oak, and a touch of sweetness from the caramel and vanilla. The 100-proof strength provides a satisfying, bold conclusion without overpowering the flavors.
*SHIPPING NOTICE- If possible, please use a business address for shipping. All shipments require an adult signature which is much more reliable at a place of business.
All orders usually ship within 24-48 hours unless noted otherwise