New Riff Distillery

New Riff Distillery’s Creative Director Amy Tobin

Something new is brewing in Newport. The New Riff Distillery, which opened in May 2014, is the newest addition to The Party Source campus in Newport, Kentucky.

The 30,000 square feet modern distillery is also the newest addition to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which will attract approximately 40,000 visitors in its first year, according to Amy Tobin, New Riff’s creative director. Tours will be free and are designed for bourbon enthusiasts, as well as those looking for something unique and fun to do in the city.

“We’re cooking up bourbon and rye and keeping our eyes fixed firmly on the prize; to create world class bourbon,” says Tobin. “The good news is it smells great in here!”

In addition to being a working distillery, New Riff will also host private events. Tobin says events are already booking well into 2015.

They are also cooking up new and exciting programming at the event center. Here’s a taste of what they have scheduled for July:

Monday nights are Meet the Chef night at New Riff. You’ll love getting to know area chefs, caterers and restaurateurs- and their fabulous food! “Our intimate seating and up-close camera views allow everyone a seat at the Chef’s Table,” says Tobin. Come enjoy a carefully paired tasting menu and take home the recipes that each Chef prepares.

Tuesday nights feature talks by an array of all different individuals. They are calling them 15 Minutes of Fame. “We’re sure these stars will shine brightly much longer than 15 minutes, but that’s how long each will speak on the topic of the week,” says Tobin. Beverages are included with the ticket price.

“Wednesday nights will have you in high spirits at New Riff, when we’ll taste our way through our favorite beers, wines and of course, bourbons,” says Tobin.

Each tasting will be paired with a small bite plus you will get a gourmet flat bread pizza to snack on and then you will be able to choose your favorite libation of the night for a full size glass.

“Each night, the prices chance depending on what’s going on,” Tobin explains. “On average, the price is between $20 and $55 per night.”

The sleek third floor bar, expansive outdoor balcony with skyline views, and second floor master kitchen and dining room will attract parties and events from all over.

The stills, visible from outside, include a traditional, hand-operated three-story column still set to produce bourbon and rye, inspired by the classic whiskeys of Kentucky, making twelve 53-gallon barrels per day. A 500-gallon pot still will be used with barley mashes from New Riff’s on-site Ei8ht Ball Brewery for making anything from malt whiskey to gins and other spirits.

To learn more about the distillery, tours, event schedule or to book the venue, click here.

“Whether for a tour, a tasting, a class or your own private event, I hope to see you soon at New Riff,” says Tobin.