Held in the Bourbon Capital of the World™, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival draws bourbon lovers to Bardstown, Kentucky, each year to celebrate the storied history of distilling America’s native spirit during National Bourbon Heritage Month. New Riff is proud to be this year’s Featured Distillery, and we’ve got an exciting weekend planned! From bottle signings and exclusive pours to limited-edition bottles, the festival’s featured cocktail, ice cream scoops, limited-edition merch, and more, there’s plenty to experience throughout the weekend. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates and all the latest from Bardstown!
6-9:30 PM: Bourbon in the Air.
New Riff North Star welcome cocktail for all guests.
Special Bottle Releases
1:00–2:00 PM: “You Think You Know New Riff Whiskey?” with Brian Sprance (New Riff Master Distiller), and Catherine Manabat (New Riff Director of Hospitality) Sold Out.
2:30–3:30 PM: Samples of Graeter’s Bourbon Ball ice cream in the New Riff Tent
4:30–5:30 PM: Bourbon:60 Show: “A Celebration of Women in Whiskey” featuring Hannah Lowen, CEO New Riff Distilling.
Special Bottle Releases
12:30–1:30 PM: New Riff Master Distiller Brian Sprance Bottle Signing in New Riff Tent
2:00–3:00 PM: New Riff Founder Ken Lewis Bottle Signing in New Riff Tent
3:30–4:30 PM: Samples of Graeter’s Bourbon Ball ice cream in the New Riff Tent
4:30–5:30 PM: Bourbon:60 Show: “The New Riff Story” with Ken Lewis (Founder), Mollie Lewis (President), Brian Sprance (Master Distiller), Creola Dickerson (National Brand Ambassador).
Stop by for a last chance on exclusive bottles & merch!
Pours, bottle sales, and merch.
Daily pours and cocktails.
Bourbon:60 Show.
Specialty pours and cocktails.
Daily pours and cocktails.
Graeter’s Bourbon Ball ice cream.
“You Think You Know New Riff Whiskey?” Sold out.
Our official Single Barrel for 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Bottled at 125.2 proof Without Chill Filtration, our 6 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon brings even greater depth to its signature balance of sweet, oaky, and spice driven character.
Hand selected by the Kentucky Bourbon Festival team, this pick will be available to purchase exclusively at Kentucky Bourbon Festival, while supplies last!
The signature cocktail for the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival is the North Star – our riff on a Saturn. The classic Tiki cocktail is typically made with gin, but we substituted New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon to create a balanced and refreshing cocktail that can be enjoyed all year long.
New Riff Distilling’s core Bourbon expression is a genuinely high-rye, full bodied whiskey offering savory, spicy character.
Tuesday, Sept. 8 — Sunday, Sept. 13
Check out our festival merch while supplies last.
How Would You Like to Buy?
*Due to state regulations, we are unable to sell or ship spirits directly to certain states. Availability and shipping options may vary based on your location. Please check local laws before placing an order.
