Discover the Best of the Tri-State’s Distilling Scene

The Tri-State region is home to a thriving distilling scene, with numerous award-winning distilleries producing a wide range of spirits. From whiskey to vodka to gin and more, there’s something for every cocktail and liquor connoisseur. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the top 9 distilleries in the Tri-State, showcasing their unique offerings and what sets them apart.

New Riff Distilling

Located in Newport, Kentucky, New Riff Distilling is a pioneer in the Tri-State’s distilling scene. Founded in 2014, this distillery is known for its innovative approach to traditional Kentucky bourbon. New Riff crafts a range of whiskeys, including bourbon, rye, malted rye, and specialty blends, using the sour mash process. This process involves using a portion of leftovers from a previous batch to start the distilling process, resulting in a rich, complex flavor profile.

New Riff Distilling’s innovative approach to traditional Kentucky bourbon

Northside Distilling Co.

In the heart of downtown Cincinnati lies Northside Distilling Co., the city’s first downtown distillery since Prohibition. This distillery produces a range of spirits, including bourbon, gin, vodka, seasonal rums, and American agave. Northside’s vodka has won multiple awards, including accolades from the ACSA Awards and the International SIP Awards.

Northside Distilling Co.’s award-winning vodka

Karrikin Spirits Co.

Fairfax-based Karrikin Spirits Co. is committed to exploring the world of flavors with its community. This distillery produces a diverse range of spirits, including rye whiskey, rum, vodka, brandy, and a Chinese liqueur. Karrikin also offers canned cocktails made with its own spirits, such as bourbon lemonade and a “Hoptonic” sparkling spirit cocktail made with Emerge Gin.

Karrikin Spirits Co.’s diverse range of spirits

Pensive Distilling Co.

Located in Newport, Pensive Distilling Co. boasts a full kitchen and taproom within its distillery. This modern distillery produces a range of spirits, including vodka, single-barrel bourbon, apple pie moonshine, and more. Pensive’s modern recipes are designed to put guests in a “pensive mood.”

Pensive Distilling Co.’s modern recipes

Knox Joseph Distillery

Knox Joseph Distillery, situated within OTR Stillhouse in Over-the-Rhine, is dedicated to challenging the status quo and elevating tradition. This distillery produces gin, vodka, bourbon, and blended whiskey. The James Scott Blended Whiskey has won gold at the U.S. Open Whiskey Championship multiple years in a row, with multiple other spirits also garnering wins.

Knox Joseph Distillery’s award-winning spirits

Second Sights Spirits

Ludlow-based Second Sights Spirits, helmed by Rich Couch and Carus Waggoner, offers a range of spirits, including multiple rums, bourbon, and hazelnut liqueur. This distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal following among spirits enthusiasts.

Second Sights Spirits’ range of innovative spirits

Northern Row Distilling

Northern Row Distilling, located in Over-the-Rhine, is a “grain-to-glass” distillery that produces a range of spirits, including gin, rum, vodka, malted whiskey, and bourbon. The distillery’s Five Stories Spirits brand offers a barrel-aged gin, a Cincinnati gin made in collaboration with Molly Wellman and the Krohn Conservatory, a white rum, a pepper-flavored vodka, and more.

Northern Row Distilling’s range of innovative spirits

Wenzel Whiskey

Located in Covington’s historic Wenzel building, Wenzel Whiskey produces the first whiskey blended in Covington since Prohibition. The distillery’s “Wheated Two” bourbon was named “Best American Blended Limited Release” at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Wenzel Whiskey also collaborated with Molly Wellman to create a limited-edition whiskey called “The One 50th Blend.”

Wenzel Whiskey’s award-winning bourbon

Boone County Distilling Co.

Boone County Distilling Co., located in Independence, returned whiskey production to Boone County in 2015 with the release of its 1883 Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Since then, the distillery has grown to produce a wide variety of whiskeys, including rye, cask-finished bourbons, single-barrel releases, its Lexington Club bourbon, sour mashes, and more.

Boone County Distilling Co.’s range of whiskeys

The Tri-State region’s distilling scene is thriving, with each distillery offering a unique perspective on the world of spirits. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just discovering the world of whiskey, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant region. So why not take a tour, sample some of the finest spirits, and experience the best of the Tri-State’s distilling scene?