New Riff has employed 19th-century cooperage techniques, heirloom grains, and a vintage mashbill in crafting these whiskeys; introducing rare, exceptional flavors to the modern era.
Newport, KY (May 17, 2024) – New Riff Distilling proudly announces the simultaneous release of Ol’ New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Ol’ New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, the latest offerings for the distillery’s esteemed Whiskey Club. These releases epitomize a contemporary, innovative approach to the historic whiskey-making tradition of the 19th century. To learn more or become a member of the Whiskey Club, visit newriffwhiskeyclub.com.
Crafted at 100 proof and bottled in bond without chill filtration, the Ol’ New Riff duo reflects the brand’s dedication to revitalizing old traditions with a fresh perspective. Employing meticulous 19th-century cooperage techniques, heirloom grains, and a vintage mashbill, these whiskeys introduce rare, exceptional flavors to the modern era.
Our whiskey artisans scrutinized every aspect of the production process, dialing back to the Gilded Age when Greater Cincinnati reigned over the whiskey market. Barrels crafted in the 19th-century style underwent production without modern kiln-drying, while heirloom Ohio Valley grains such as Blue Clarage and Yellow Leaming corn, alongside our renowned Balboa Rye, were incorporated into a classic bourbon grain bill with elevated malted barley content.
Jay Erisman, co-founder and vice president
Ol’ New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, comprising 60% heirloom corn, 26% Balboa rye, and 14% two-row malted barley, offers a luscious, fruit-forward malted sweetness flavor, culminating in a lingering, delightful spiced finish, as noted by assistant head distiller Bryon Martin.
Meanwhile, Ol’ New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, crafted with 65% Balboa rye, 30% heirloom corn, and 15% two-row malted barley, greets the palate with nuances of fresh oak, muddled sweet mint, and a hint of citrus on the nose. It delivers a spicier oak profile with macerated darker fruits and berries, underscored by a full, rounded spiciness of clove and nutmeg on the finish.
We sought inspiration in imagining how New Riff’s water supply and production facility would taste if we could travel back in time. What if New Riff existed 120 years ago? How would whiskey have been crafted then, utilizing our aquifer water, location, and equipment? We endeavored to replicate the mindset of a Northern Kentucky distiller circa 1900.
Jay Erisman
Both whiskeys are priced at $54.99 and will be available for purchase starting Thursday, May 23, exclusively through New Riff’s Whiskey Club for pickup. Subsequently, they will be offered in limited quantities at select Kentucky retailers and featured in flights and pours at the distillery’s Aquifer Tasting Room.
About New Riff:
New Riff Distilling, fiercely independent and unabashedly innovative since 2014, employs time-honored sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond standards, crafting new interpretations of old traditions. Nestled in Northern Kentucky, the distillery produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey, and gin. Notably, bourbon and rye are available in single barrel selections, with a popular private barrel selection program offering quarter, half, and full barrel picks complemented by personalized labels. New Riff sources its water from an alluvial aquifer beneath the distillery, accessed via a 100’ deep private well, providing cold, clean, mineral-rich water ideal for whiskey production.
Public-facing spaces within the distillery include the Riff Shop, offering customizable gifting options and locally sourced artisan goods, and The Aquifer Tasting Room, situated on the third floor, showcasing signature cocktails, flights, and pours of New Riff’s complete portfolio of spirits, including rare, limited-edition, and distillery-exclusive releases.
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