New Riff

Having launched in 2014, New Riff is a relatively new addition to the bourbon market. The distillery is based in Newport, Kentucky, and was set up by liquor store owners, Jay Erisman and Ken Lewis. New Riff remains independent, family-owned and adheres to traditional distilling methods. 

The distillery takes a rye-forward approach and releases Bottled-in-Bond whiskies. This means that the whisky has been made by one distiller, at one distillery, in one season. It’s also aged in a federal warehouse, for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. They utilise a conventional distilling process, using a mash bill of non-GMO grains. New charred oak barrels are used for maturation.  

The New Riff Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the brand’s flagship bottling. It’s made with 30% rye, meaning there’s plenty of spice to accompany the classic sweet and buttery notes. For something with even more of a kick, the Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye is made up of 95% rye and bottled at 52.15% ABV.