Taters Riff on New Riff

A New Riff on Tatering

When our friends at Liquor Locker in Saint Joseph, Michigan extended an invitation to join them in picking their next New Riff bourbon barrel, we couldn't have been more thrilled. After our successful barrel pick with Liquor Locker from Coppercraft Distillery, we were eager to dive into the world of New Riff. New Riff is a right of passage for a group like ours- it took us a while to get here but we made it!

Our crew, including Charles Metz, Matt Hakey, Jessica & Thomas Bucher, along with Jim from Liquor Locker, set out on a journey to Newport, Kentucky, the home of New Riff Distillery. New Riff bourbon holds a special place in the hearts of bourbon aficionados, and this was our inaugural experience of handpicking a barrel from this renowned distillery.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty of our barrel selection, let's take a quick look at the backstory of New Riff Distillery. Established as a modern take on Kentucky's bourbon legacy, New Riff prides itself on producing high-quality spirits that pay homage to tradition while embracing innovation. Founded by Ken Lewis and Jay Erisman, the distillery has gained recognition for its commitment to excellence and community engagement. They have been distilling nearly a decade, and their commitment to quality and innovation makes them an emerging powerhouse in the Bourbon industry.

Upon our arrival, Jay Erisman, one of the co-founders of New Riff Distillery, warmly greeted us. With a sense of pride, Jay took us through their impressive facility, offering insights into their meticulous production process. One of the highlights was the chance to taste the freshly distilled low and high wine, giving us a firsthand experience of the distillation journey fresh off the still.

Our exploration continued to the West Campus of New Riff, which houses their rickhouses. Creola Dickerson, Lead Single Barrel Ambassador, guided us through the facility, showcasing their traditional rickhouses, single barrel staging area, bottling line, and a barrel select tasting lounge where the real fun began.

Barrels of New Riff from this year’s Barrel Selection program waiting to be picked

Samples of five barrels with a pour of their standard Bottled-In-Bond bourbon for comparison.

The final stop of our visit was the much-anticipated tasting session to select our barrel. Presented with five distinct samples, we embarked on a sensory adventure. Almost immediately, one barrel stood out. The nose had a strong resiny oak note normally reserved for barrels twice its age. Alongside that, hints of caramel and the unmistakable rickhouse character created a blend that promised a unique experience.
Moving on to the tasting, we were met with an equally pleasing palate to match. Sweet cinnamon merged with a subtle touch of minty spice, showcasing the intricate layers that New Riff is known for. The interplay of oak, baking spices, and caramel painted a delightful flavor canvas. And to wrap it all up, a smooth, extended finish left a lasting impression, devoid of any harshness.

Jim, owner of Liquor Locker in Saint Joseph, MI thieves a sample from our barrel.

Our journey with New Riff was enlightening and inspiring. Their dedication to detail and pursuit of innovation shone through in every sip. As we concluded our visit, we eagerly looked forward to New Riff's future offerings, particularly their upcoming single malt whiskey release—a treat that's sure to capture enthusiasts' attention that has been in the works for almost 10 years. For more on this exciting release, check out New Riff Distilling Unveils Malt Whiskey Project.

As we raise our glasses to the memories made during this barrel selection journey, we extend heartfelt thanks to Liquor Locker and New Riff Distillery. This barrel isn't just a selection; it's a symbol of the enduring allure of bourbon—a journey we're proud to be a part of!

This barrel will be availble Late Summer at Liquor Locker in Saint Joseph, Michigan and it will be one you won’t want to miss!

And of course, a huge shout out to Matt Hakey for his incredible photography and videography!