Learn About New Riff Distilling History

The Founding and Early Years of New Riff Distilling

New Riff Distilling represents a revival of Kentucky bourbon history rather than a completely new venture. The distillery's story begins with the original New Riff Distillery, which was established in 1884 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, by James E. Pepper and a group of investors. The original location sat along the Kentucky River, which provided essential water sources for bourbon production. During its early decades, the distillery became known for producing quality bourbon whiskey and operated successfully through the late 1800s and early 1900s. The original New Riff Distillery continued production until Prohibition took effect in 1920, which forced the closure of most American distilleries and halted bourbon production across the nation for thirteen years.

The original distillery building, constructed in the Victorian era, became a landmark in Lawrenceburg. The architecture reflected the industrial prosperity of the late 1800s, with brick construction and large windows designed to allow natural light into the production spaces. Historical records show that the original New Riff operated with copper stills and used limestone-filtered water from local sources, practices that were standard for Kentucky distilleries of that era. The distillery produced various bourbon styles and ages, competing with other Kentucky producers in regional and national markets.

After Prohibition ended in 1933, the original New Riff Distillery resumed operations, though the bourbon industry faced significant challenges in rebuilding. The facility operated under different ownership throughout the mid-to-late twentieth century, producing bourbon for various brands and bottling operations. The distillery changed hands several times, with different companies managing production and brand development. By the late 1900s, the original New Riff facility had ceased independent operations, though the building remained standing as a historical structure in Lawrenceburg.

Practical takeaway: Understanding New Riff's founding in 1884 and its continuous production history through Prohibition provides context for how the modern distillery connects to Kentucky's established bourbon-making traditions and regional expertise.

The Modern New Riff Distilling Revival

New Riff Distilling as it exists today represents a modern revival that began in 2014 when the historic distillery building was purchased and completely renovated. The new ownership team, led by Kentucky entrepreneurs and bourbon enthusiasts, invested significantly in restoring the 140-year-old structure and installing contemporary bourbon production equipment while maintaining historical architectural elements. The revival project represented a substantial financial commitment, with renovations estimated at several million dollars to upgrade the facility to modern distilling standards while preserving the building's historical character. The distillery officially reopened in 2014, making it one of the newer craft distilleries in Kentucky while also being one of the oldest buildings still used for bourbon production in the state.

The modern facility operates on the original site in Lawrenceburg, approximately thirty miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio. The location provides access to the same limestone-filtered water sources that made the original distillery successful. The new operation installed modern copper pot stills while maintaining production methods that reflect traditional Kentucky bourbon-making techniques. The distillery produces bourbon from grain to bottle, meaning they control every step of the production process from grain selection and mashing through fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling.

The revival of New Riff Distilling occurred during a period of significant growth in the craft spirits industry. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of operating distilleries in the United States grew from approximately 50 to over 1,500. Kentucky saw particular growth, with new and revived distilleries opening throughout the state. New Riff's revival aligned with broader consumer interest in craft bourbon, local spirits production, and visiting distillery operations. The facility opened its doors to visitors through tours and tastings, becoming part of Kentucky's bourbon tourism industry, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the state economy.

Practical takeaway: The modern New Riff Distilling story illustrates how historic distillery buildings can be revived with contemporary production methods, combining traditional bourbon-making knowledge with modern equipment and business practices.

Production Methods and Bourbon-Making Process at New Riff

New Riff Distilling practices what is known as "grain-to-bottle" production, meaning the distillery controls every stage of bourbon creation from the initial grain selection through the final bottling. This approach differs from some bourbon producers who source spirits from other distilleries or focus only on specific production stages. The process begins with grain selection and procurement. New Riff sources corn, rye, and barley from suppliers, with corn typically making up between 70-75 percent of the grain bill, rye comprising 20-25 percent, and barley at approximately 5 percent. These proportions create what bourbon producers call the "mash bill," which significantly influences the final spirit's flavor profile.

The mashing process involves cooking the grains with hot water to extract sugars, which yeast will later ferment into alcohol. New Riff uses limestone-filtered water from local sources, which contains minerals that can affect fermentation and final flavor. The mashed grains produce a liquid called "wort," which is separated from the grain solids. The wort then moves to fermentation tanks where yeast is added. Fermentation typically lasts between 4-7 days, during which yeast converts sugars into ethanol and produces various flavor compounds called congeners that contribute to bourbon's taste characteristics.

After fermentation, the liquid goes through distillation in copper pot stills. Distillation heats the fermented liquid to separate alcohol and flavor compounds from water and heavier elements. The distillate, called "new make spirit" or "white dog," comes off the stills at approximately 125-140 proof (62-70 percent alcohol by volume). This clear spirit then goes into charred oak barrels for aging. Federal regulations require bourbon to age in new, charred American oak barrels and must be bottled at no less than 80 proof (40 percent alcohol). New Riff ages bourbon in climate-controlled warehouses, with most expressions aging for periods ranging from 4 to 12 years, though some special releases age longer.

Practical takeaway: Learning about New Riff's grain-to-bottle production demonstrates how distilleries control quality and flavor through each production stage, from grain selection through aging in charred oak barrels.

New Riff's Bourbon Products and Brand Portfolio

New Riff Distilling produces several bourbon expressions that have gained recognition in the bourbon market since the distillery reopened. The primary product line includes bottled-in-bond bourbon, which represents a specific category of American whiskey with particular legal requirements. Bottled-in-bond bourbon must be produced at a single distillery, aged for a minimum of four years in new charred oak barrels, aged in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50 percent alcohol by volume). New Riff Single Barrel bottled-in-bond bourbon became one of the distillery's flagship products, with each barrel producing bottles that vary slightly in flavor characteristics due to differences in barrel location, aging environment, and wood interaction.

The distillery also produces other bourbon expressions beyond the bottled-in-bond category. These include straight bourbon products aged for various periods, offering consumers different flavor profiles and price points. Some of New Riff's products have received recognition and awards in bourbon competitions. For example, reviewers and bourbon enthusiasts have noted the quality and consistency of New Riff's bottled-in-bond bourbon. The distillery's location and historical significance have made it a destination for bourbon tourists visiting Kentucky. Annual visitor numbers to Kentucky bourbon distilleries exceeded 2.7 million in recent years, with New Riff Distilling becoming one of the popular stops along the bourbon trail.

New Riff has also entered into partnerships and distribution agreements to make their bourbon available beyond Kentucky. The distillery's bottles can be found in various states through wholesale distribution networks, though availability varies by location and retailer. The pricing strategy reflects the craft bourbon segment, with bottles typically ranging from $40 to $60 for standard expressions, with limited releases and special bottlings commanding higher prices. The distillery has remained focused on quality-driven production rather than volume expansion, maintaining that approach through 2023 and beyond.

Practical takeaway: Understanding New Riff's product range, including their bottled-in-bond bourbon and various aging expressions, provides insight into how modern craft distilleries develop brand portfolios and compete in the bourbon market.

The Visitor Experience and Distillery Tours