Fourth Batch Of New Riff’s Single Malt On A Shelf Near You
Newport, Kentucky’s New Riff Distillery began making single malt whiskey shortly after going operational in 2014, but sat on its maturing stocks of that American malt for several years, with the inaugural release made in 2023. Now it’s fourth batch of American Single Malt is out, and this 2026 release is among its oldest whiskey yet.
“This is one of the most creative whiskeys we make, and a blend we look forward to revisiting every year,” said Master Distiller Brian Sprance. “These whiskeys are inspired by malted barleys used in the brewing industry, reimagined through our Kentucky regimen.”
The earliest distillations of the internal project started in the first few months of the distillery’s existence. Over the years, New Riff has explored additional mashbills and barrels, filling barrels at 110 proof and letting them age quietly in Northern Kentucky.
New Riff’s 2026 Single Malt Whiskey is comprised of six mashbills aged in five different cask types, marking this expression as one of the distillery’s most intricate blends to date. This year’s blend introduces Chevallier, an 1800s heirloom British malt variety, making its debut in New Riff’s Single Malt distillate for the first time. Distilled using the unmistakable Kentucky regimen — sour mash, open fermentation, and a column still — this whiskey bridges the time-honored heritage of malted barley with Kentucky tradition, resulting in one of New Riff’s most complex and rewarding whiskeys made yet and showcasing the creativity and technical expertise of its distilling team, while continuing its more than a decade’s long commitment to delivering “A New Riff on an Old Tradition.“
The 2026 Single Malt Whiskey has a suggested retail price of $69.99 and is bottled without chill filtration at 111.7 proof with a mashbill of 100% malted barley, but of many different types of malted barley: 11.7% Marris Otter, 14.1% Golden Promise, 27.7% of a beer-inspired Barleywine, 16.5% Belgian Quadrupel, 18% Scottish peated barley, and 12% Chevallier. That last one is the historic British heirloom barley popularized by the 19th century brewing scene now making its first appearance in a New Riff whiskey.
The five casks the malt whiskeys matured in include new charred oak, de-charred toasted oak, used bourbon barrels, Spanish oloroso sherry casks and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks.
“This year, we were especially excited to introduce Chevallier malt into the blend, a variety that brings a distinct character and adds another layer to the overall profile,” said Sprance. “We’ve spent years working with a wide range of malts, and that experience is really shown through how this whiskey comes together. Each component can stand on its own, but the real magic is in how they interact, showcasing our expertise in blending and bringing all of those elements into balance.”
