From Grain to Glory: How New Riff BiB Took Me on a Kentucky Bourbon Vision Quest

You know those moments when you’re staring at a bourbon bottle, wondering if it’s about to take you on a spiritual journey or just empty your wallet? Well, buckle up, because my recent vision quest with New Riff’s Bottled in Bond wasn’t just another tasting – it was a full-blown expedition into Kentucky’s newest frontier.

When Ken Lewis planted his flag in bourbon country back in 2014, he wasn’t just throwing another hat in the ring. In an industry where some brands are about as authentic as a knockoff designer bag sold from a trunk, New Riff emerged as the real deal – distilling, aging, and blending everything in-house like bourbon artisans of old.

The Journey Begins: The Nose

First sniff? Like walking into a candy shop owned by your most sophisticated friend. Heavy toffee and caramel notes float up like a sweet fog, with vanilla playing subtle background music. My nose was practically doing a happy dance before my lips ever touched the glass.

The March Forward: Palate Expedition

Then came the first sip, and oh boy – this isn’t your grandfather’s bottom-shelf bourbon. The texture hits you first: rich and oily, like liquid velvet doing the cha-cha on your tongue. A wave of caramel sweetness rolls in like a sweet tsunami, followed by a black pepper bite that sneaks up like that friend who always manages to photobomb your perfect shots.

The Final Frontier: The Finish

Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, a pleasant dry oakiness shows up fashionably late to the party. But like any good host, it doesn’t overstay its welcome, gracefully bowing out to a subtle sweetness that coats your mouth like morning dew on Kentucky bluegrass.

The Verdict: More Than Just Another Pretty Bottle

I’ve got to hand it to New Riff – they’re doing this whole bourbon thing right. While some craft distilleries try to reinvent the wheel, these folks are more like jazz musicians – they know all the classic notes but aren’t afraid to improvise a little. Their philosophy isn’t just clever marketing; it’s evident in every drop of this full-bodied, sweet elixir.

As I sit here, contemplating the empty glass (how did that happen?), I can’t help but feel impressed. In just ten years, New Riff has managed to carve out their own identity in a landscape crowded with centuries-old names. They’ve taken bourbon tradition and, true to their name, put a new riff on it without losing the soul of what makes American whiskey special.

So here’s to you, New Riff. You’ve proven that sometimes the new kid on the block has some seriously smooth moves. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some more “research” to conduct with this bottle.

Remember: Life is too short for bad bourbon, but just long enough for another pour of the good stuff.