New Riff was started in 2014 by Ken Lewis, former owner of The Party Source, a large liquor retailer. Privately owned, the distillery is lead by individuals hailing from retail and craft brewing industries. Instead of simply hiring a head distiller with background in whiskey, the owner and partners were given advice to think about recruiting a brewer instead. The reason why? Because brewers know fermentation and what sort of impact the fermentation stage has on flavor. Brian Sprance was recruited from Boston Beer and is the head distiller and production manager at New Riff. The vision for the distillery serves as the name as well: a new riff on old tradition. Their goal is not to sell a story of a brand that goes back generations with a bottle of whiskey, but to make excellent whiskey in a new way that honors old traditions. New Riff Bottled in Bond mash bill is 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley. The nose is powerful and bold with cinnamon, caramel, honey, cherry, oak, and slight grassy and herbal note. On the palate I get hit with charred oak, leather, and black pepper spice that transitions to sweeter flavors such as cola, vanilla, and candied orange peel. Finish is long with spice, charred oak and caramel flavors.