New Riff Distilling, a Northern Kentucky powerhouse known for its bold bourbons and ryes, has once again raised the bar with its 2025 American Single Malt Whiskey release. This isn’t just another whiskey hitting the shelves—it’s a carefully crafted masterpiece that blends tradition with innovation, showcasing some of the distillery’s oldest barrels and a flavor profile that’s turning heads. For whiskey lovers, this third annual release is a must-have, and here’s why.
The story begins in 2014, when New Riff first started experimenting with malted barley, a departure from the corn-heavy mashbills that dominate Kentucky’s bourbon scene. From the outset, the distillery’s team, led by Master Distiller Brian Sprance, embraced Kentucky’s sour mash traditions but applied them to single malt whiskey in a way that feels both familiar and groundbreaking. The result? A whiskey that’s distinctly American, yet nods to the heritage of malted barley typically associated with Scotch.
Image credit: New Riff
This 2025 release is a testament to New Riff’s patience and creativity. It features whiskeys aged between 7 and 10 years, making it one of the distillery’s most mature single malt offerings to date. The blend is built from three unique mashbills, all made with 100% barley varietals: Maris Otter, Scottish peated barley, and a beer-inspired mashbill based on classic barleywine. Each brings its own character to the table—Maris Otter adds a rich, malty depth, the peated barley introduces a subtle smoky edge, and the barleywine mashbill lends a complex, almost fruity sweetness.
What sets this release apart is the meticulous cask selection. The whiskeys were matured in six different types of barrels: new charred oak, de-charred toasted oak, de-charred and re-charred oak, Madeira casks, Oloroso sherry casks, and red wine casks. For the first time, New Riff took the extra step of re-barreling the final blend into used oak for an extended maturation period. This process adds an extra layer of complexity, smoothing out the edges and weaving the diverse flavors into a cohesive whole.
Image credit: New Riff
The result is a whiskey that’s bottled at a robust 115.2 proof without chill filtration, preserving every nuance of its character. When you pour a glass, the aroma hits first with a bold oak presence, followed by inviting notes of dark fruit, cacao nibs, and a hint of citrus peel. On the palate, it’s a journey—deep oak flavors mingle with red and dark fruits, cocoa powder, and nutty malt, culminating in a finish that’s zesty, fruity, and richly smoky. Add a splash of water, and the whiskey opens up even more, revealing a big, Kentucky-style body that’s both savory and satisfying.
Brian Sprance sums it up best: “Each year, we fine-tune our Single Malt whiskey, flexing both our creativity and technical expertise to innovate and explore new dimensions of malt whiskey.” He’s particularly proud of how the Maris Otter, barleywine, and peated whiskeys came together in this blend, creating a layered and complex flavor profile that’s sure to delight single malt fans. It’s not just a whiskey—it’s a conversation starter, a bottle that invites you to sip slowly and savor every detail.
For those eager to get their hands on this gem, the 2025 New Riff American Single Malt Whiskey will be available starting May 2 at the distillery’s gift shop in Newport, Kentucky. Priced at a suggested retail of $69.99, it’s a steal for a whiskey of this caliber. If you can’t make it to the distillery, don’t worry—it’ll also be available at select whiskey retailers and online for shipping in the weeks following the launch. Given New Riff’s growing distribution network, which now spans all 50 states as of 2025, finding a bottle should be easier than ever.
New Riff’s commitment to quality shines through in every aspect of this release. From the sour mash process to the open-top fermentation and column still distillation, the distillery stays true to its Kentucky roots while pushing the boundaries of what American single malt can be. The 2025 release isn’t just a whiskey; it’s a bold statement about the future of the category, one that’s gaining momentum as distilleries across the U.S. continue to explore single malt’s potential.
Whether you’re a longtime New Riff fan or new to the world of American single malt, this release is worth seeking out. Its rich, multifaceted flavor profile makes it perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or with a drop of water to unlock its full potential. Don’t sleep on this one—bottles are likely to disappear quickly, especially with the buzz surrounding New Riff’s innovative approach. Grab yours and discover why this Kentucky distillery is redefining what single malt whiskey can be.
