New Riff Distilling: A Decade of Innovation and Giving Back

As I sit here, sipping on a glass of fine whiskey, I am reminded of the power of community and the importance of giving back. Kentucky-based New Riff Distilling is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style, with a suite of unexpected releases and sweepstakes that will benefit local charities.

The star of the show is New Riff Headliner, a blended whiskey that is a true masterpiece. Made up of 45% 10-year-old bourbon, 20% 9-year-old bourbon, 30% 9-year-old rye, and 5% 7-year-old single malt, this whiskey is bottled at a barrel-proof 57.3% ABV. The psychedelic concert poster-inspired release is said to highlight flavors of rye spice and dark fruit. I can almost smell the oak barrels and taste the complexity of this fine spirit.

New Riff Headliner: A whiskey that gives back

Those hoping to get their hands on one of the 700 bottles can enter a lottery on the distiller’s website beginning July 7. While an entry ticket costs only $5, the final product will run you $250, with 50% of the proceeds going toward local charities including Brighton Center, Green Umbrella, and Horizon Community Funds.

“Since our founding in 2014, we’ve focused on making exceptional, innovative whiskey while supporting our beloved Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati community,” New Riff Distilling President Mollie Lewis said in a news release. “This inaugural Headliner release is like bringing all your favorite artists together into one band. With proceeds from each bottle going to local charitable organizations, this whiskey is sure to earn a well-deserved encore.”

New Riff Distilling: A decade of innovation and giving back

For those in search of something lighter and hoppier, the brand has teamed up with Cincinnati’s HighGrain Brewing to release a beer named “Aqui Brew.” Made with New Riff’s corn alongside water sourced from beneath the distillery, the pilsner has set up shop at bars and retailers in the area.

Commemorating the occasion, New Riff will also host some events and offers from July 11 to July 18, including live music, gift shop discounts, limited-edition merchandise, and surprise bottlings from the brand’s past. If you happen to be in Kentucky and want to check out the festivities, learn more on the New Riff website.

New Riff Events: Live music, discounts, and more

New Riff has come a long way since its founding in 2014 by former English teacher Ken Lewis. The brand has since unveiled a steady stream of inventive whiskey releases with a heavy focus on bourbon and rye. Though Lewis left the brand last year, the legacy lives on through recently appointed master distiller Brian Sprance. Of the expressions I’ve had a chance to try, I’ve been particularly impressed by its 6-year Malted Rye and Balboa Rye as well as its stellar Wild Bourbon Barreled Gin.

New Riff Whiskeys: A legacy of innovation

As I finish my glass of fine whiskey, I am reminded of the importance of community and the power of giving back. New Riff Distilling’s 10th anniversary celebration is a testament to the brand’s commitment to its community and its passion for creating exceptional whiskey. Here’s to many more years of innovation and giving back!