An award-winning distillery across the river from Cincinnati with free tours, a rooftop bar, and some of the best bottled-in-bond bourbon and rye in Kentucky.
New Riff is a standout for several reasons. First, their standard tour is free — one of the few quality free tours outside Buffalo Trace. Second, the bourbon is genuinely excellent. Everything is bottled-in-bond (100 proof, aged minimum 4 years, single distilling season), which is a quality commitment most craft distilleries can't match.
Located in Newport, Kentucky — just across the river from Cincinnati — New Riff is geographically outside the main bourbon trail corridor, but absolutely worth a detour if you're coming from or going through Ohio. The rooftop bar has views of the Cincinnati skyline and serves great cocktails.
The facility is modern, the staff is knowledgeable, and the vibe is confident without being corporate. New Riff has quickly become one of the most respected newer distilleries in Kentucky.
A genuinely good free tour through the production facility. Ends with a tasting. One of the best values on the entire trail.
Deeper tasting focused on single barrels and limited releases. Worth it for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
New Riff is easy. The free tour is walk-up friendly. Premium tastings book out a week or so ahead on weekends. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Excellent gift shop. Their single barrel picks are the highlight — allocated and often only available at the distillery. Standard bottled-in-bond bourbon and rye are priced fairly. The malted rye is unique and worth trying if you like rye whiskey.
New Riff is the best distillery stop in Northern Kentucky and one of the best values on the entire trail. Free tours, bottled-in-bond everything, excellent gift shop, rooftop bar with city views. If you're coming from Ohio or have an extra day, this is an easy add. The quality punches well above what you'd expect from a distillery this young.
Address: 24 Distillery Way, Newport, KY 41073
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 12 PM – 6 PM. Closed Mon–Tue.
Parking: Free, on-site.
Speakeasy tasting room in a historic Prohibition-era building. Award-winning kitchen.
Northern Kentucky craft.
Restaurants along the riverfront.
Fun for families.
Restaurants, bars, attractions across the bridge.
New Riff Distilling is featured in our 3-Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary. See the full day-by-day route for how it fits with nearby stops.