New Riff Distilling, a relatively young and innovative distillery based in Newport, Kentucky, has just unveiled the second release of its Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey. This latest edition, the 2024 version, builds upon the success of last year's inaugural release, further refining and enhancing the complex flavors that have quickly made this whiskey a standout in the American single malt category.
Image credit: New Riff Distilling
New Riff's journey with malt whiskey began shortly after the distillery was established in 2014. Although the company is perhaps best known for its bourbon and rye offerings, the distillery has been quietly working on its malt whiskey project since its early days. The first batch of this Sour Mash Single Malt was released last fall to much acclaim, and this year’s release promises to take things to an even higher level.
The 2024 Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey has a unique composition that reflects New Riff's commitment to innovation and exploration within the craft of whiskey-making. This year's blend, while maintaining some familiarity with last year’s release, has undergone several changes to the internal blend, resulting in what co-founder and vice president Jay Erisman describes as a more cohesive and well-integrated whiskey. Erisman, who has been with New Riff since its inception, expressed his excitement about the new release, noting that the balance of sherry cask influences and peaty-smoky flavors has been particularly well-executed this time around.
Image credit: New Riff Distilling
The process behind this whiskey is a testament to New Riff's dedication to quality and tradition. The distillery fills its barrels at 110 proof and allows them to age in the unique climate of Northern Kentucky. While the mashbills remain consistent with those used in the first release—featuring a blend of 100% barley varietals, including Golden Promise, Maris Otter, and Scottish peated barley malt—this year’s edition also includes barrels that have aged for nine years, as well as some malt whiskey that was aged in Madeira casks. This careful selection and blending process have resulted in a whiskey that showcases a remarkable depth of flavor.
The 2024 Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey is bottled at an impressive 114.5 proof and, true to New Riff's standards, is non-chill filtered. The mashbill is comprised entirely of barley, with some of it inspired by classic beer recipes like Barleywine and Belgian Quadrupel. This diverse mashbill gives the whiskey a broad spectrum of flavors, from rich, dark, and zesty citrus notes to earthy and savory smoke tones, according to New Riff’s sensory manager, Bryon Martin.
This release is part of a broader trend within the American whiskey industry, where distilleries are increasingly experimenting with and releasing single malt whiskeys. Although the American single malt category is still awaiting official definition and regulation by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), distilleries like New Riff are helping to shape what this category might look like in the future.
New Riff’s commitment to education and community engagement is also evident in their plans for the coming months. The distillery will be hosting a series of Single Malt seminar classes as part of its WHSKY NRD monthly whiskey education series. These classes, scheduled for September 6 and November 8, will give whiskey enthusiasts a chance to learn about the origins of New Riff’s Single Malt project and taste the whiskeys with the makers themselves, including Jay Erisman.
The 2024 Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey is priced at $69.99 and became available for purchase at New Riff’s distillery gift shop starting on August 30. It will also be available for online shipping and at various retailers within the distillery’s distribution network in the coming weeks, making it accessible to whiskey lovers eager to experience this next chapter in New Riff’s malt whiskey journey.
New Riff Distilling continues to solidify its place in the whiskey world by staying true to its roots in traditional sour mash methods while also pushing the boundaries of what American whiskey can be. The second release of their Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey is yet another example of their dedication to crafting spirits that are not only high in quality but also rich in character and innovation.
About New Riff Distilling
New Riff Distilling is a renowned American craft distillery located in Newport, Kentucky. Established in 2014, the distillery has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to producing high-quality bourbon and other spirits. New Riff is situated in the heart of the bourbon industry, with its location along the banks of the Ohio River, just across from Cincinnati, Ohio, making it an integral part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
One of the distinguishing features of New Riff is its dedication to the traditional bourbon-making process. They take pride in crafting their bourbon using the time-honored method of sour mash, which involves using a portion of the previous batch's fermented mash to kickstart the fermentation of the new one. This method contributes to the distinctive flavor profile of their bourbons.
The distillery is known for its hands-on approach, with every aspect of production carefully controlled and monitored. They source non-GMO grains locally, which allows them to have better control over the quality of their ingredients. Their commitment to transparency is evident in the fact that they provide detailed information about the grains they use, the yeast strains employed, and even the specific aging barrels used for each product.
New Riff's flagship bourbon, the New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon, has received critical acclaim for its rich and complex flavor profile. It is made from a mash bill that primarily consists of corn, rye, and malted barley, and it is aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years, adhering to the legal requirements for bourbon. This aging process imparts a deep amber color and a well-balanced combination of sweet and spicy notes.
In addition to their standard bourbon, New Riff produces a variety of other spirits, including rye whiskey and limited-edition releases. They have also gained recognition for their commitment to sustainability, with efforts to reduce waste and minimize their environmental footprint.
New Riff Distilling is an excellent example of a modern craft distillery that respects tradition while pushing the boundaries of innovation in the world of American whiskey. With a dedication to quality and a commitment to producing exceptional spirits, they have earned their place among the respected distilleries of Kentucky's bourbon country.
