New Riff Unveils Dual Release Of Decade Old Whiskeys

New Riff Distilling has announced the dual release of First Decade Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and First Decade Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, the distillery’s first 10-year-old whiskeys. These releases join the distillery’s High Note limited edition lineup this spring and will be available exclusively through the New Riff Whiskey Club beginning Thursday, May 22, for pickup only and by the pour in the distillery’s Aquifer Tasting Room.   

Both bottled without chill filtration at 120.5 proof, the 10-year-old whiskeys were selected for their extraordinary depth and character — a reflection of the Northern Kentucky distillery’s technique and bold approach over a decade. Blended from standout 10-year-old barrels, these barrel proof whiskeys mark an era of New Riff’s independence, innovation and commitment to the world’s highest quality of standards.  

“This release is a direct reflection of our first decade of distilling,” said Master Distiller Brian Sprance. “It is a testament to the values and trust that founder Ken Lewis instilled back in 2014, when we were empowered to be creative and prioritize quality above all else. A decade later, we are seeing the results of that commitment — and it is a direct reflection of who we are and how we’ve grown. We are incredibly proud to share our first 10-year-old whiskeys, and even more excited for what the future holds at New Riff.” 

Made with New Riff’s standard bourbon mashbill of 65% corn, 30% rye and 5% malted barley, the First Decade Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey boasts notes of cinnamon coffee cake, stewed fruits and wood spice on the nose. The well-structured cherry cola and fruit leather flavors are balanced by tannic rye and oak, leading to a rich and warm pepper and wood finish.  

The First Decade Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is made with 95% rye and 5% malted rye, the same mashbill used for New Riff’s Bottled-in-Bond and Single Barrel ryes. It opens with aromas of spearmint, dark raspberries and spicy cinnamon, leading to a rich palate of oak, plum and tobacco with a long-lasting finish of mint and peppercorn. 

The New Riff High Note Series was created to provide a home for limited production runs, one-off creations, unique barrels and other surprises.  

Both whiskeys have a suggested retail price of $89.99 each and are exclusive to the New Riff Whiskey Club, which is free to join. They will be available for purchase through the Whiskey Club beginning Thursday, May 22, for pickup only.  

New Riff (Newport, KY): 

Fiercely independent and unabashedly innovative: New Riff Distilling starts with time-honored sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond standards, creating new riffs on old traditions since 2014. Located in Northern Kentucky — the gateway to bourbon country — the independently-owned distillery produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey and gin. Bourbon and rye are also available in single barrel selections, and the distillery boasts a popular private barrel selection program offering quarter, half and full barrel picks complete with personalized labels. New Riff sources its water from an alluvial aquifer under the distillery, accessed via a 100’ deep private well and providing cold, clean and mineral-rich water perfect for whiskey making. The public-facing spaces in the distillery, renovated in 2023, include the Riff Shop with customizable gifting options and locally sourced artisan goods; and The Aquifer Tasting Room, located on the third floor of the distillery, featuring signature cocktails, flights, and pours of New Riff’s entire portfolio of award-winning spirits including rare, limited-edition, and distillery-exclusive releases.