Single Mash, Single Barrel Concept Celebrates Divergent Grain-to-Glass Philosophies
Newport, KY – October 23, 2025 – New Riff Distilling and Chattanooga Whiskey have joined forces for the inaugural release of The Confluence Project, a collaborative whiskey series uniting two award-winning craft distilleries in an exploration of shared passion, contrast, and creativity.
The first installment, The Confluence Project: Volume 1, introduces Kentucky and Tennessee Straight Wheat Whiskeys, born from a single wheat mashbill and shaped by each distillery’s distinctive grain-to-glass approach. Named for the meeting of two rivers and inspired by the distilleries’ respective locations on the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, this project celebrates connection through difference.
“When we first started this collaboration six years ago, it was rooted in friendship and mutual respect,” said Brian Sprance, Master Distiller at New Riff. “We wanted to create something new and exciting, so we agreed on a 100% wheat whiskey, which neither of us had done before. The beauty of The Confluence Project is that it highlights what makes each distillery unique — our techniques, our barrels, our philosophies — yet it all starts from the same grain.”
“Brian and New Riff Distilling are both extremely important to the Chattanooga Whiskey story,” said Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller of Chattanooga Whiskey. “Brian not only hired me for my very first job in craft brewing, but he also introduced me to the Chattanooga Whiskey team back in 2014 and helped me learn the ropes of craft distilling by allowing me to shadow him for a week at New Riff. So, on a company level, our paths have crossed in significant ways; and on a personal level — well — let’s just say I wouldn’t be here today without Brian and his friendship.”
A Shared Mashbill, Two Distinct Interpretations
For the inaugural collaboration, both distilleries agreed upon a shared mashbill: 60% Red Turkey Wheat, 24% Appalachian Malted Wheat, 8% Dark Malted Wheat, and 8% Caramel Malted Wheat. From there, each distilling team employed its own signature techniques and philosophies, resulting in two collections of single barrels that embody each brand’s distinctive character.
“At a high level, New Riff and Chattanooga Whiskey certainly have a lot in common; but when you dig into the details, there are nuanced differences in how we approach any given recipe,” said McCracken. “So, the thought of the collaboration was to agree on a mashbill and then let both distilling teams ‘do what they do,’ and celebrate those differences.”
Both distilleries also conducted a “distiller swap”, allowing their teams to spend time at each other’s facilities. New Riff’s Kentucky regimen leans on limestone-filtered water, heirloom grains, and slow-rise fermentations, while Chattanooga Whiskey’s Tennessee High Malt style emphasizes specialty malts, cool fermentations, and custom-toasted barrels.
Flavor Profile & Availability
The New Riff Kentucky Straight Wheated Whiskey, part of the distillery’s High Note lineup, is bottled as a collection of single barrels with proofs ranging from 116.9 to 122.8. Each barrel reveals its own flavor nuances while collectively showcasing a bold, layered whiskey with:
- Nose: Clove, cinnamon, caramel, and warm cereal
- Palate: Rich honey, toffee-oak, and subtle spice
- Finish: Lingering sweetness with a woody depth
Availability:
New Riff’s Kentucky Straight Wheated Whiskey will be available exclusively to New Riff Whiskey Club members starting Thursday, October 30, for $69.99 SRP. Bottles will be available for pickup at New Riff Distilling beginning Friday, October 31.
Join the club at www.newriffwhiskeyclub.com.
About New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
Founded in 2014, New Riff Distilling is an independent, innovative distillery combining time-honored sour mash methods with bottled-in-bond standards. Located in Northern Kentucky — the gateway to bourbon country — New Riff produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey, and gin. The distillery offers private barrel programs, an onsite gift shop, and The Aquifer Tasting Room featuring limited-edition pours. For more, visit www.newriffdistilling.com.
About Chattanooga Whiskey (Chattanooga, TN)
Founded in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey pioneered the return of whiskey-making to Chattanooga after a 100-year hiatus. Its Experimental Distillery serves as a hub for innovation, while the Riverfront Distillery produces its flagship expressions including Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye. Named Icons of Whisky – Craft Producer of the Year (America & Global) by Whisky Magazine in 2023, Chattanooga Whiskey continues to redefine Southern craft whiskey. Learn more at www.chattanoogawhiskey.com.
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