Overview
New Riff Single Malt is the distillery’s Kentucky-style single malt whiskey project from Newport, Kentucky. It explores malt whiskey through New Riff’s own production lens, using sour mash fermentation, a column beer still and doubler, and Kentucky-style maturation rather than simply copying Scotch or American single malt conventions.
The brand is important because it shows New Riff’s willingness to experiment beyond bourbon and rye while still staying rooted in Kentucky whiskey technique. Each annual release can include different malt recipes, cask types, ages, proof, and blending concepts.
Brand History
New Riff began its malt whiskey work early in the distillery’s history, with its first malt whiskey reportedly coming off the still in 2014. The Single Malt project matured over time into a recurring specialty whiskey series that highlights the distillery’s brewing knowledge, malt selection, and cask experimentation.
Recent releases have included annual Single Malt editions with complex blends of multiple mash bills and cask types. New Riff describes the project as a Kentucky approach to malt whiskey rather than a direct imitation of traditional single malt production.
Who Owns the Brand?
New Riff Single Malt is owned by New Riff Distilling, an independent Kentucky distillery.
Producing Distillery
New Riff Single Malt is produced at New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky.
Core Products
There is no fixed everyday core expression. New Riff Single Malt is best treated as an annual or recurring specialty release family.
Limited Releases
Single Malt releases vary by year. Recent editions include New Riff Single Malt Whiskey 2024, 2025, and 2026, with each release using different malt bills, cask types, proof, and release details.
Mash Bill and Production Notes
New Riff describes its Single Malt project as using a Kentucky regimen: sour mash fermentation, a copper column still and doubler, and Kentucky-style maturation. Each annual release should be checked individually for mash bills, malt varieties, cask types, age, proof, and blending details.
Availability
New Riff Single Malt releases are specialty releases and generally more limited than the distillery’s core bourbon and rye lineup. Availability varies by release year, state, retailer, and distillery allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Riff Single Malt?
It is New Riff’s Kentucky-style malt whiskey project, released as recurring specialty single malt editions.
Who makes New Riff Single Malt?
New Riff Single Malt is made by New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky.
Is New Riff Single Malt bourbon?
No. It is malt whiskey, not bourbon.
Is every Single Malt release the same?
No. Mash bills, malt varieties, cask types, age, proof, and blending details can vary by annual release.