A Northern Kentucky distillery is bringing home the gold — and double gold — from a prestigious spirits competition.
New Riff Distilling in Newport says it recently won 10 medals at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), a renowned event that features a thoughtfully curated list of judges conducting blind tastings. Winners range from some of the most well-known international distillers to small-batch producers.
Awards were announced Tuesday, with New Riff earning a Double Gold, six Gold and three Silver medals.
“Receiving these medals and recognition at San Francisco World Spirits Competition is not only an honor, but also a reflection of the distillery’s progress and skill,” New Riff co-founder and vice president Jay Erisman said in a press release. “Every year, we look forward to our achievements at the SFWSC and we could not be prouder of these results at the finest spirits competition in the world.”
New Riff received the Double Gold — the highest-ranking award — for its 6-year-old Malted Rye Whiskey. The following spirits received Gold and Silver:
- New Riff Kentucky Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey (Gold)
- New Riff Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (Gold)
- New Riff Single Barrel Rye Whiskey (Gold)
- New Riff Balboa Rye Whiskey (Gold)
- New Riff Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Gold)
- New Riff 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Gold)
- New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (Silver)
- New Riff Nocino Liqueur (Silver)
- New Riff Winter Whiskey (Silver)
New Riff recently released the 2024 bottling of its Silver Grove Bourbon, described by New Riff assistant head distiller Bryon Martin as “having notes of dark red fruits and rye spices on the nose and a deep, full mouthfeel that flows briefly into dark brown sugars then wood spices and tannins,” with a 65% corn, 30% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill bottled at 116.2 proof.
The distillery also debuted its Silver Grove Rye. Martin says it has “huge mint, black pepper and hints of citrus, caraway and oak on the nose,” along with an upfront cinnamon spiciness; hints of vanilla and singed toffee; and a bold, rye-spice finish with a minerality and eucalyptus notes. It has a 95% rye and 5% malted rye mashbill bottled at 116.4 proof.
Both these bottles can be found in New Riff’s gift shop, and proceeds go toward helping the Silver Grove Community Foundation.
New Riff Distilling, 24 Distillery Way, Newport. More info: newriffdistilling.com.
