A visit to New Riff Distillery

“Vanilla iced sugar cookie. Walnut & oak on the nose. A palate entry of oak, vanilla, maple, brown sugar, cocoa & spice.” – Description from the bottle of one of New Riff’s Single Barrel bourbons

I am a HUGE fan of New Riff Distillery. I keep using the word “favorite” in these columns. I certainly don’t want that word to lose its meaning through overuse. Yet, when you’re a bourbon lover, a list of many “favorites” isn’t out of the question. This place is one of them. Aficionados out there know what I mean.

New Riff jumped to the top of my list many years ago with their amazing single-barrel offerings. Re-read the quote above. How can anyone pass up snagging a bottle of booze with a description like that?! Marketing works. And … they keep releasing different “flavors,” all with equally tantalizing descriptions.

Yet, it isn’t just marketing. I don’t know whether it’s the power of suggestion or not, but these single barrels actually taste like their descriptions. Believe me I know. I spent a night with a friend tasting several different bottles. Whew! The next day was rough, but what an enchanting evening. I suppose it would be best to do a blind tasting and then try to match up the tasting notes with the description. Sounds like another fun night in the future.

There was a time when there would be three to four different tasty and thoroughly enjoyable bottles of this stuff available at one time. Of course, the kicker is they’re single barrels, so one better snag them while you can. And I did. I have 10 or so of these beauties sitting in my basement collecting dust right now. I’m hesitant to drink them because once they’re gone, they’re gone. Need to rectify that. Life isn’t going to get any longer. If you happen to run across one (or two, or more) of these selections, I highly recommend that you snag it. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.

Switching gears. According to the 2026 World Whiskies Awards, New Riff Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the World’s best bourbon for 2026. It’s not. Don’t get me wrong, this is a very nice bourbon, with the usual notes of caramel, cinnamon, yada, yada, and bottled at a nice 100 proof. Yet, to me, it just didn’t have any “wow” factor. I suppose it was awarded this sobriquet due to the fact that it’s solidly good, highly proofed, and priced at an incredibly reasonable $40. Honestly, those are good enough reasons for me.

One problem; you can’t find it – anywhere. That’s the rub with these new, “hot,” “World’s Best” bottlings. Everyone wants a bottle – the psychosis is far flung. Fortuitously, I just happened to be on a trip recently (yes, another one) that took me right by the Cincinnati/Newport area. The very home of New Riff Distillery. Yay!

New Riff’s distillery in Newport, Ky., is slick, clean, and modern with a very nice storefront and tasting room. Even better, than all that, they have all of their boozy offerings. So, on this little trip, I had to snag a bottle of the “world’s best bourbon.” I mean, I was right there! While pursuing their shop I came across a few rows of a bottle that looked quite different from all the rest – Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

“What, pray tell, is that?” Asked my psychotic mind. I inquired with the extremely cheerful gentleman who was attending the showroom desk, and learned that it is a barrel-proof bourbon that is only available at the distillery. Of course, sight unseen (until then), and without even giving it a smell, let alone a taste, I had to buy a bottle.

Reaching my trip destination, I excitedly cracked open both of my purchases for a little taste test. The 116-proof Silver Grove stole the show right out from under the “World’s Best Bourbon.”

It had all of the hallmarks of the Bottled in Bond but everything was deeper, richer, bolder, and darker (if there is such a thing). Seriously, this had the complexity and depth of character that made it delicious.

I couldn’t help but think, why isn’t this the “World’s Best Bourbon”? I suppose it comes down to accessibility (once the hype dies down, one will be able to find the Bottled in Bond everywhere) and price point. The Silver Grove retails at $60, which is still not bad for such a limited, and extraordinary bottle of bourbon.

I haven’t even discussed New Riff’s “normal” stuff like their wonderful Rye or their eight-year bourbon. All of their offerings are reasonably priced and truly outstanding. New Riff’s website states that their mission is “to someday be counted among the world’s great small distilleries.” Mission accomplished! Their Bottled in Bond might not really be the world’s best bourbon, but their line of bourbons and ryes in its entirety certainly ranks near the top. Give them a try. Until next time, cheers!

*Travel tip: right next to New Riff’s distillery is a place called “The Party Source.” This wonderful place is the largest liquor store I’ve ever seen (and I’ve been to quite a few). Huge selection of bourbon, whiskies, and anything else you might desire. Check it out.

Jon Smyrnis is a lifelong Indianapolis area resident. He enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, kayaking, dining out, and, of course, fine cocktails and great bourbons.