New Riff Distilling, a standout in Northern Kentucky’s bourbon scene, has upped the ante with its Single Barrel Program by introducing 6-year-old bourbon barrels for selection. This expansion adds a new layer of depth and flavor for whiskey enthusiasts looking to craft their own unique bottle. The distillery, already known for its hands-on approach and commitment to quality, now offers a choice between 4-year and 6-year bourbons, alongside its 6-year rye whiskey, making its barrel selection experience one of the most robust in the industry.
The Single Barrel Program at New Riff isn’t just about picking a barrel—it’s about diving into the heart of bourbon-making. Groups like bourbon clubs, corporate teams, bars, and retailers can hand-select their barrels, ensuring each bottle carries a distinct personality. The 6-year bourbon, aged longer for richer, more complex flavors, joins the lineup of 4-year bourbon and 6-year rye, giving participants more options to find the perfect pour. What sets New Riff apart is its flexibility: while the 6-year bourbon is only available as a full barrel selection, both the 4-year bourbon and 6-year rye can be purchased in smaller quantities, starting at just 90 bottles. This fractional barrel option is rare in the industry, making it easier for smaller groups or businesses to get in on the action without committing to a full barrel, which typically yields around 200 bottles.
The experience itself is a big draw. New Riff’s Single Barrel Selection Experience is designed to be as memorable as the whiskey. It kicks off with a full tour of the distillery and its West Campus, where the rickhouses (warehouses where barrels age) and bottling hall are located. The tour isn’t just a walk-through—it’s a deep dive into the craft, showing how New Riff’s sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond standards come together to create their signature spirits. The barrel selection happens in a historic, turn-of-the-century tasting room, where participants sample different barrels to find the one that speaks to them. The process is hands-on, with guidance from New Riff’s Single Barrel Ambassador, who walks groups through tasting techniques to evaluate the whiskey’s aroma, flavor, and finish. After the selection, guests wrap up their visit at The Aquifer Tasting Room, sipping signature cocktails or sampling pours from New Riff’s award-winning lineup, including rare and distillery-exclusive releases.
What makes this program stand out is its accessibility and customization. New Riff offers next-day pickup for those who can’t wait to get their hands on their chosen barrels (for an additional fee and based on availability). For those not local to Northern Kentucky, the distillery can ship selections to many states once the bottles are ready, making it easier for enthusiasts across the country to enjoy their custom picks. Each barrel comes with personalized labels, adding a special touch for groups gifting bottles or retailers looking to offer something unique on their shelves.
New Riff’s commitment to quality shines through in every aspect of the program. The distillery, founded in 2014, has built a reputation for sticking to traditional methods while pushing boundaries. Their use of non-GMO grains and water sourced from an alluvial aquifer beneath the distillery gives their whiskeys a distinct character. The 6-year bourbon, in particular, brings a deeper, more layered profile with its balance of sweet, oaky, and spicy notes, thanks to the extra time spent aging in 53-gallon toasted and charred oak barrels. While the 6-year bourbon is exclusive to the barrel selection program and not available at retail unless chosen by a store, New Riff continues to offer staff-picked 4-year bourbon and rye barrels at retail for those who want a taste without picking their own.
Mollie Lewis, New Riff’s President, sums up the ethos behind the program: “Intentionality is a cornerstone of everything we do, and that ethos certainly extends to the experience we offer to those who choose to pick a barrel with us.” This focus on creating a meaningful, engaging process is evident in every step, from the educational tours to the personalized bottles that capture the individuality of each barrel.
For bourbon lovers, New Riff’s Single Barrel Program is more than just a chance to buy whiskey—it’s an opportunity to connect with the craft and create something truly one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s a bourbon club bonding over their shared love of whiskey, a retailer looking to stock a standout bottle, or a corporate group seeking a unique team-building experience, New Riff delivers. With the addition of 6-year bourbon to the mix, the distillery is giving whiskey fans even more reasons to make the trip to Newport, Kentucky, or to order their custom barrels from afar.
For those ready to dive in, more details are available at New Riff’s website. Whether you’re chasing bold rye spice, classic bourbon warmth, or the deeper complexity of the new 6-year offering, New Riff’s Single Barrel Program is a must for anyone serious about their whiskey.
