What New Riff Distilling does

New Riff Distilling is an independent, family-owned Kentucky craft distillery founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee, and headquartered in Newport, Kentucky. The company produces Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt Whiskey, and Gin using the "Kentucky Regimen" — a traditional Kentucky whiskey-making approach that combines sour mash fermentation, open fermentation tanks, a 60-foot copper column still, a continuous doubler, and aging in 53-gallon toasted and charred new oak barrels. Water is drawn from a private well into a limestone aquifer at 58°F year-round with up to four times the dissolved mineral content of municipal sources. All New Riff spirits are Bottled In Bond and bottled Without Chill Filtration, and the company maintains a 76,000-barrel aging inventory across three owned warehouses in Newport and Silver Grove, Kentucky.

The business operates a diversified revenue model spanning direct-to-consumer e-commerce, on-site sales through the distillery gift shop and the Aquifer Tasting Room, experiential tours and private barrel-selection programs ($22-$90 per experience), wholesale distribution across all 50 U.S. states, and international shipping through partners such as The Whisky Exchange (66+ countries) and Flaviar. Product pricing centers on a $40 flagship Bottled In Bond Bourbon and extends to premium and limited expressions including an 8 Year Bourbon, an heirloom Balboa Rye (ranked #4 Whiskey of the Year by Whiskey Advocate in 2025), an annual Single Malt release, and a Sherry Finish Malted Rye. A free Whiskey Club membership provides exclusive release access, while the New Riff Works community program channels proceeds from Silver Grove, Headliner, and Cocktail Giveback releases to local nonprofits.

Customer segments span whiskey and bourbon enthusiasts, single malt connoisseurs, gin drinkers, Kentucky Bourbon Trail tourists, and private/enterprise buyers purchasing custom single barrels. Distribution is anchored by Kentucky Bourbon Trail membership at the gateway position, supported by a full social media presence and an in-house marketing program. Leadership comprises founder Ken Lewis, Master Distiller Brian Sprance (trained by Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer Larry Ebersold), and Chief Sales Officer Rawnica Dillingham, with the company remaining self-funded, family-controlled, and free of disclosed venture capital or private equity backing.

Name

New Riff Distilling

Legal name

New Riff Distilling, LLC

Website

https://newriffdistilling.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

New Riff Distilling is an independent, family-owned Kentucky craft distillery producing Bottled In Bond bourbon, rye, single malt, and gin using traditional methods. Founded in 2014, it serves whiskey enthusiasts, tourists, and private barrel buyers across all 50 U.S. states and 66+ international markets through DTC, wholesale, and on-site experiences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Premium Craft Spirits

NAICS

Distilleries (31214), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (424820), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320)

SIC

Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Distilled Spirits Production & Distilling (AFAFAAAC), Craft Distilleries & Microdistilleries (THAFALAH), Spirits Distillery Tours & Tastings (Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka) (THAJAGAF), Spirits/Cocktail Bars Operated by Producers (THAFALAJ), Spirits Retail & Whiskey Shops (Off-Premise) (CRANAAAD)

Keywords

• Craft bourbon whiskey
• Kentucky straight rye
• Bottled in bond spirits
• Single malt whiskey
• Craft distilled gin

Headquarters

HQ city

Newport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Spirit Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales through own e-commerce store and distillery gift shop. Products include bourbon, rye, single malt, and gin expressions at various price points.
2. Wholesale Distribution: Products distributed through wholesale channels to retailers across all 50 U.S. states and international markets.
3. Distillery Experiences: Revenue from tours, tastings, and experiences including Bonded Tour ($22), Happy Hour Tour ($25), Barrel Proof Tour ($35), Blend Experience ($90), and The Aquifer Reserve ($40).
4. Single Barrel Selection: Custom barrel selections starting at 90 bottles (4 Year Bourbon) up to full barrel (approx. 180-216 bottles), with customization options for personalized bottles.
5. Whiskey Club Membership: Free membership providing access to exclusive limited releases twice a year and special events. Pre-purchase online for pickup only.
6. Merchandise and Gift Cards: Apparel, drinkware, barware, and gift cards for the gift shop, experiences, and Aquifer Tasting Room.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

New Riff Distilling produces and sells premium Kentucky bourbon, rye whiskey, single malt whiskey, and gin using traditional methods (sour mash, open fermentation, copper column distillation). The company operates a vertically integrated distillery in Newport, KY with on-site aging, bottling, and a tasting room, while distributing its spirits through wholesale channels to all 50 U.S. states and internationally via partners. In addition to spirit sales, New Riff generates revenue from distillery tours, the Aquifer Tasting Room, single barrel selection programs for private buyers, and a free Whiskey Club membership providing access to limited releases.

Product overview

New Riff Distilling is an independent, family-owned Kentucky distillery founded in 2014 producing Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt Whiskey, and Gin. Core products include Bottled In Bond Bourbon and Rye (100 proof, aged 4 years), along with extended-age 8 Year expressions. The Single Malt Project is an annual release exploring malt whiskey through multiple mashbills and cask types. Specialty products include Heirloom Balboa Rye, Winter Whiskey (oat-based), and Sherry Finish Malted Rye. The distillery offers experiential services including Single Barrel Selection (private barrel picking starting at 90 bottles), Distillery Tours, The Aquifer Tasting Room, and a free Whiskey Club membership for exclusive releases. New Riff Works is a community initiative supporting local organizations through charitable releases and the Cocktail Giveback program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• New Riff Works: Community initiative program supporting local organizations through specialty releases, partnerships, and charitable initiatives including Silver Grove releases and Headliner program
• New Riff Whiskey Club
• High Note
• Silver Grove
• Headliner

Products and services

• New Riff Bottled In Bond Bourbon Core bourbon expression with high-rye mashbill (65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley). Bottled In Bond Without Chill Filtration at 100 proof, aged 4 years. Named 2026 World's Best Bourbon at World Whiskies Awards.
• New Riff Bottled In Bond Rye Core rye whiskey with 95% rye and 5% malted rye mashbill. Bottled In Bond Without Chill Filtration at 100 proof, aged 4 years. Won 2025 Gold Medal at New Orleans Spirits Competition.
• New Riff 4 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon Single barrel bourbon at barrel proof without chill filtration. Mashbill of 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley. Aged 4 years. Available for selection through the Single Barrel Program.
• New Riff 4 Year Old Single Barrel Rye Single barrel rye at barrel proof without chill filtration. Mashbill of 95% rye, 5% malted rye. Aged 4 years. Available for selection through the Single Barrel Program.
• New Riff 8 Year Old Bourbon Extended aging expression of flagship bourbon. Bottled at 100 proof without chill filtration. Won 2025 Double Gold Medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Barleycorn Awards, and 2024 Best High Rye Bourbon.
• New Riff 8 Year Old Rye Extended aging expression of flagship rye whiskey. Bottled at 100 proof without chill filtration. Won 2024 Double Gold Medal.
• New Riff 6 Year Old Malted Rye 100% malted rye whiskey, rare in the industry. Bottled In Bond Without Chill Filtration at 100 proof, aged 6 years. Won 2025 Best Rye Whiskey 5-10 Years.
• New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin Bourbon Barreled Wild foraged Kentucky botanicals gin rested in fresh bourbon barrels for 5-7 months. 94 proof with 92% GNS and 8% rye spirit. Features 12 botanicals including locally foraged Kentucky juniper and American Allspice.
• New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin Pot-distilled gin with 11 botanicals including wild foraged Kentucky juniper and American Allspice (Spicebush). Base spirit includes new make rye whiskey. Reflects historical Kentucky gin traditions.
• New Riff Balboa Rye Heirloom Balboa rye whiskey from 1940s variety grain. First commercial whiskey made from this grain in decades. Won 2025 Double Gold and Best Rye Whiskey 4-5 Years at New Orleans Spirit Competition, and ranked #4 Whiskey of the Year by Whiskey Advocate.
• New Riff Winter Whiskey Bourbon featuring unique spice of raw and malted oats (20%) with chocolate malt. Inspired by chocolate oatmeal stouts from the brewing background of Master Distiller Brian Sprance.
• New Riff New Make Unaged rye distillate showcasing honest personality of water, rye and malted rye. Bottled unfiltered at 94 proof. Only available at the distillery gift shop.
• New Riff Sherry Finish Malted Rye 100% malted rye finished in Spanish oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. 111.9 proof, aged 6+ years. 2025 'Best of Class' Finalist for Special-Barrel Finished Whiskey.
• Single Barrel Selection Experience Immersive experience for selecting single barrels. Customers tour distillery, taste curated samples, and select their barrel. Minimum 90 bottles up to full barrel (approximately 180-216 bottles). Available expressions include 4 Year Bourbon, 6 Year Bourbon, 6 Year Rye, and 6 Year Malted Rye.
• Distillery Tours and Experiences Various tour and tasting experiences including Bonded Tour ($22), Happy Hour Tour ($25), Barrel Proof Tour ($35), Blend Experience ($90), The Aquifer Reserve ($40), and Father's Day Flight & a Bite ($55). Located at Newport, Kentucky facility with access to rickhouse, bottling hall, and historic tasting room.
• The Aquifer Tasting Room Tasting room featuring cocktails, flights, and pours of full whiskey library including rare and limited releases. Located on third floor of distillery with Tower Room for private events. Hosts quarterly Cocktail Giveback program donating $3 per featured cocktail to The LEE Initiative.
• New Riff Whiskey Club Free membership offering insider access to exclusive limited releases twice yearly, special events, and early notification. Releases available for pre-purchase for pickup at the gift shop. No obligation to purchase.
• Silver Grove Bourbon Annual distillery-exclusive release celebrating the Silver Grove barrel warehouse opening. Proceeds support the Silver Grove Community Foundation. 2026 release aged at least 6 years at 116.4 proof. Available exclusively at the gift shop.
• Silver Grove Rye Annual distillery-exclusive release celebrating the Silver Grove barrel warehouse opening. Proceeds support the Silver Grove Community Foundation. 2026 release aged at least 6 years at 115 proof. Available exclusively at the gift shop.
• High Note Series Limited production series for one-off whiskey creations and unique barrels. Includes High Note 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (barrel proof blend, 116.9 proof) and High Note 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (barrel proof blend, 118.8 proof).
• New Riff Single Malt Whiskey (Annual Release) Annual release exploring malt whiskey through a Kentucky lens. Uses Kentucky Regimen (sour mash, open fermentation, copper column still). Each year features multiple mashbills and cask types. 2026 release: 6 mashbills, 12 malted barleys, 5 cask types, aged at least 7 years at 111.7 proof.
• Duet American Whiskey Collaboration American Whiskey with Rhinegeist brewery. Features 57% corn, 37% raw barley, 6% sherry cask component. Aged at least 6 years at 111.2 proof. Combines New Riff's Kentucky distilling expertise with Rhinegeist's brewing heritage. Majority aged in new American oak at New Riff with select Spanish sherry casks, then finished in Rhinegeist's foeder before returning to used American oak at New Riff.

Quantifiable outcome

• Named World's Best Bourbon at 2026 World Whiskies Awards
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RhinegeistcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partnership with Cincinnati's largest craft brewer (by volume) to create DUET American Whiskey. Combines New Riff's Kentucky distilling expertise with Rhinegeist's brewing heritage. Majority aged in new American oak at New Riff with select Spanish sherry casks, then finished in Rhinegeist's foeder before returning to used American oak at New Riff to harmonize. Liquid testament to shared Greater Cincinnati craft traditions.
• Silver Grove Community FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual Silver Grove releases celebrate opening of barrel warehouse in Silver Grove, KY. Proceeds from each release directly support the Silver Grove Community Foundation, funding local projects and initiatives that strengthen the city and improve quality of life for residents.
• The LEE InitiativeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQuarterly Cocktail Giveback program at The Aquifer Tasting Room donates $3 from every featured cocktail sold to The LEE Initiative, which uses the power of food to uplift the hospitality industry and strengthen communities through education, mentorship, research, and grants.
• Brighton CentercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPortion of proceeds from Headliner 2025 bottle sales donated to Brighton Center, supporting their mission to provide vital programs and services for individuals and families in Northern Kentucky, helping the community grow and thrive. Over $130,000 raised through Headliner program since 2024.
• The Whisky ExchangeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational shipping partner based in the UK that ships New Riff spirits to over 66 countries worldwide, expanding global availability beyond direct U.S. shipping.
• FlaviarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdditional partner for international bottle availability, offering New Riff products through their platform for customers outside direct shipping markets.
• Curious Kitchen, Urban Stead, Riverside Pickling, Smoking Goose, Lil's Kitchen, North South Baking, Tuba Pretzel, Dean's Mediterranean, Los Cunados, Kate's CateringminorOthersLocal food partners providing catering and culinary offerings for The Aquifer Tasting Room and events, supporting the local food community and enhancing the overall distillery visitor experience.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Wilderness Trail Distillery: Kentucky-based craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, and specialty spirits. Comparable as a similarly-sized, family-driven craft distiller operating on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with national distribution ambitions.
• Bardstown Bourbon Company: Kentucky craft distillery offering bourbon, rye, and custom whiskey collaborations with strong on-site hospitality (tasting room, restaurant). Direct overlap with New Riff in product mix, visitor experience, and contract/collaboration model.
• Castle & Key Distillery: Restored Kentucky craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka, with a substantial tasting room and tour operation. Comparable size and product breadth with parallel emphasis on heritage, experiential revenue, and gin offerings.
• Smooth Ambler Distillery: West Virginia craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, and gin with a focus on quality and small-batch production. Comparable as an independent craft player with bourbon/rye/gin portfolio and similar production philosophy.
• Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Virginia-based craft distillery producing rye, bourbon, and gin from locally-sourced grain. Comparable as an independent craft distiller with parallel rye/gin focus and emphasis on grain provenance and terroir.
• Few Spirits: Evanston, Illinois craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, gin, and specialty whiskeys. Comparable as an independent craft distiller of comparable scale with similar gin-and-whiskey portfolio breadth.
• Rabbit Hole Distillery: Louisville, Kentucky craft distillery producing bourbon and rye, with a major downtown Louisville visitor center. Comparable as a Kentucky craft distiller with a strong experiential/DTC business and premium positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Old Forester: Historic Kentucky straight bourbon brand owned by Brown-Forman, sold nationally and globally. Comparable as a Kentucky bourbon producer with premium expressions and educational distillery experiences (Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row).
• Four Roses Bourbon: Established Kentucky bourbon distillery known for its high-rye bourbon mashbill (similar to New Riff's 30% rye) and award-winning single barrel program. Direct product-style overlap, though at much larger production scale.
• Woodford Reserve: Premium Kentucky bourbon brand owned by Brown-Forman, with a flagship Versailles distillery that is a major Kentucky Bourbon Trail destination. Comparable visitor experience model and premium positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/newriff
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@NewRiffDistilling
• Facebookfacebook.com/NewRiffDistilling
• Instagraminstagram.com/newriff

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New Riff Distilling