New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky is a distiller on the move. The distiller’s flagship distillery and tourism destination sit along the levee on the Ohio River just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. They have a second location a few miles away that is used for barrel aging, bottling and single barrel picks. At the end of 2021 they completed a $2 million construction project to add 800 square feet to place three new fermenters allowing them to increase distillation capacity from 8,000 to 12,000 barrels a year, representing a 50% increase.
Now they have a new problem. With all that new make bourbon and rye whiskey on the way they need more space to age their barrels and now help is on the way.
New Riff Breaks Ground on Pre-Engineered 40,000 Barrel Warehouse
The new 55,000-square-foot pre-engineered metal warehouse can hold 40,000 barrels and is located about 15 minutes away on 10 acres in Silver Grove, Kentucky. Company leaders expect the facility to create five new jobs and to be operational by spring 2023.
“Last year we expanded our distillery to increase production,” said Ken Lewis, New Riff Distilling Founder and CEO. “With our Newport facility already nearing capacity before that, it is time to add more storage and we’re happy to be building in Campbell County.
“We appreciate the support of state and local leadership for New Riff Distilling and the bourbon industry statewide. We are proud of the products we make and the people who make them and look forward to continuing to not just make great whiskey and gin, but to support our community through our success.”
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“I am happy to see yet another distillery grow its presence in the commonwealth as New Riff Distilling continues to build its footprint in Northern Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is a rapidly growing company that highlights the strength of Kentucky’s bourbon sector, and I look forward to seeing what they achieve next. Congratulations to the leaders at New Riff and to everyone in Campbell County and the surrounding region who is benefitting from the company’s success.”
JDL Warm Construction President Mark Wiegman said he is thankful for the opportunity to work with New Riff to construct the new facility.
“New Riff Distilling and their team are an incredible group of people to work with,” Wiegman said. “Warm Construction is proud and honored to be their construction partner, working alongside Platte Architecture, building our second barrel storage facility to meet New Riff’s exciting growth needs.”
Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery congratulated the leadership at New Riff on their continued success and the newest location in the county.
“New Riff is a homegrown success story, and we’re thrilled to see this expansion taking place in Campbell County,” Judge Pendery said. “Northern Kentucky’s bourbon trail, the B-Line, is the gateway to Kentucky’s bourbon experiences. New Riff is an excellent launching point for visitors to the Cincinnati region wanting to sample and learn about bourbon.”
Silver Grove Mayor Neal Bedel expressed his gratitude to New Riff’s leaders for choosing the city for a new bourbon operation.
“Silver Grove is excited to be home to New Riff’s new barrel warehouse facility and five new jobs,” Mayor Bedel said. “Bourbon is in our blood in Kentucky, and we’re thrilled that Silver Grove will play a part in the industry.”
Northern Kentucky Tri-ED President and CEO Lee Crume noted the bourbon industry is growing, and the region is an ideal location to serve Kentucky and the Cincinnati area.
“Kentucky bourbon is recognized all over the world, and Ken Lewis has built an internationally recognized company and award-winning collection of bourbon, rye and Kentucky Wild Gin,” Crume said. “Congratulations to Ken and his team on this expansion and their success.”
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in May approved New Riff for up to $50,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.
Since its founding in 2014, New Riff’s products have attracted a wide following, with demand outpacing supply. Lewis said the recent production expansion and increased storage capacity will allow the brand to better meet demand for New Riff products. New Riff is currently available in 15 states with distribution extending to Illinois later this year.
Learn more about New Riff Distilling.
Learn more about The B-Line.
Learn more about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour.
View all Kentucky Distilleries.
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