New Riff Distilling, a Northern Kentucky gem, is back with its second annual Headliner whiskey release, a limited-edition blend that’s got whiskey lovers buzzing. Marking 11 years since the distillery fired up its stills in 2014, this 2025 release is a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and some seriously good booze. With only 650 bottles hitting the shelves, this is a pour you’ll want to chase down.
A Blend That Sings
The 2025 Headliner is a carefully crafted mix of five whiskeys, each bringing its own character to the table. At its core are two heavy hitters from New Riff’s very first batches: 28% 11-year-old corn whiskey and 27% 11-year-old bourbon whiskey. These old-timers lay down a rich, mellow foundation with sweet corn notes and the warm, oaky depth you’d expect from a decade-plus in the barrel.
Layered on top are three rye whiskeys that add a spicy kick: 15% 10-year-old Balboa rye, 15% 10-year-old standard rye, and 15% 8-year-old Aroostook malted rye. The result? A 111-proof powerhouse that’s bottled without chill filtration to keep every bit of flavor intact. Master Distiller Brian Sprance compares the blending process to tweaking a soundboard, balancing each whiskey’s “voice” to create a harmonious sip. You’ll catch the sweet, rounded tones of corn up front, with the bold, peppery spice of Aroostook rye stealing the show on the finish.
Sprance, who’s been with New Riff since its early days, says he had the distillery’s entire inventory to play with. “The oldest whiskeys we’ve ever made were the obvious stars,” he explains, noting how he built the blend around those 11-year-old corn and bourbon whiskeys, then dialed in the ryes for complexity and depth. If you’re familiar with New Riff’s lineup, you’ll recognize the distinct profiles of each component, making this blend a love letter to their craft.
A Whiskey with a Cause
What makes the 2025 Headliner stand out isn’t just what’s in the bottle—it’s what it stands for. New Riff is donating proceeds from every $150 bottle to Brighton Center, a Northern Kentucky nonprofit that helps families achieve financial stability through education, employment, and support services. This continues the Headliner tradition of giving back, a nod to the distillery’s deep roots in the community.
“Since we started in 2014, we’ve been about making great whiskey and doing good for Northern Kentucky,” says President Mollie Lewis. “This release lets our team shine while supporting Brighton Center’s mission to lift up families.” It’s a feel-good story that makes every sip taste even better, knowing it’s helping folks in the region.
How to Get Your Hands on It
Here’s the catch: only 650 bottles of the 2025 Headliner are up for grabs, and they’re not hitting store shelves or shipping out. You’ll need to act fast to score one through New Riff’s Whiskey Club, which is free to join at newriffwhiskeyclub.com. The bottles go on sale August 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. EDT, with a strict limit of one per person. Pickup is at the distillery’s gift shop in Newport, Kentucky, between August 2 and October 5, 2025. If you can’t make it yourself, you can have someone else pick up your bottle—just include their name in the order notes.
For collectors, there’s an extra treat: limited-edition screenprinted posters matching the bottle’s unique label design will be available online and at the New Riff Gift Shop on August 1. These posters are a nod to the distillery’s creative spirit, making them a perfect keepsake for whiskey fans.
New Riff’s Roots Run Deep
Founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, a Kentucky liquor retailer with a vision for shaking up tradition, New Riff has become a standout in the craft whiskey world. The distillery sticks to time-tested sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond standards, but it’s not afraid to experiment. From their award-winning bourbon and rye to their single malt whiskey and gin, every bottle is a testament to quality and innovation.
One secret to their success? Water. New Riff pulls from a 100-foot-deep private well tapping into an alluvial aquifer beneath the distillery. This cold, mineral-rich water gives their whiskeys a distinctive edge. Add in their commitment to transparency—think public mashbills and age statements—and it’s clear why New Riff has earned a loyal following.
Their private barrel program is another draw, letting fans pick quarter, half, or full barrels with custom labels. Whether you’re a bourbon buff or a rye enthusiast, New Riff’s lineup has something to make your taste buds sing.
Why This Release Matters
The 2025 Headliner isn’t just another whiskey—it’s a milestone. It showcases New Riff’s oldest stocks yet, proving their patience and skill have paid off. At 111 proof, it’s bold enough to stand up to a splash of water or an ice cube, but smooth enough to sip neat. The blend’s complexity makes it a conversation starter, whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it solo by the fire.
For those who’ve followed New Riff’s journey, this release is a chance to taste history—11 years of hard work distilled into a single bottle. And with only 650 bottles available, it’s a rare treat that’s sure to sell out fast. Join the Whiskey Club, mark your calendar for August 1, and get ready to raise a glass to New Riff’s latest masterpiece.
