New Riff’s Headliner Returns—And It’s Louder Than Ever

If whiskey were a rock concert, this would be the encore you never knew you needed.

New Riff Distilling is cranking the amps to 11—literally—with the return of their Headliner release, a hard-hitting, deeply nuanced blend that pulls from the distillery’s very first barrels laid down more than a decade ago. If last year’s debut was a mic drop for their 10th anniversary, this year’s bottle is a full-blown guitar solo that echoes with heritage, heat, and heart.

At 111 proof and built like a setlist of greatest hits, the 2025 Headliner features:

• 28% 11-Year-Old Corn Whiskey

• 27% 11-Year-Old Bourbon

• 15% 10-Year-Old Balboa Rye

• 15% 10-Year-Old Rye

• 15% 8-Year-Old Aroostook Malted Rye

That’s a cast of characters that reads like a reunion of New Riff’s core whiskey DNA—sweet corn crooning the opening verse, fiery Aroostook rye slamming the finish, and everything in between tuned to absolute harmony.

A Blend That Belongs on a Billboard

Master Distiller Brian Sprance clearly knows how to work the soundboard. "It’s about tuning," he says, likening the blend to mixing a complex track. “You’ll recognize the individual voices. Corn opens mellow and warm, then the rye layers come in hot, building a whiskey that evolves from sip to symphony.”

On the nose, it’s all maple syrup, dark fruit, and worn leather. On the palate, it swings from sweet corn warmth to the fruit-forward bite of Balboa rye, finishing long and loud with mint-chocolate, cinnamon fireballs, and jammy berries. This bottle doesn’t ask for attention—it commands it.

Whiskey with a Purpose

Beyond the bottle, New Riff’s Headliner also hits a philanthropic chord. Proceeds go to Brighton Center, a Northern Kentucky nonprofit dedicated to empowering families through education, employment, and community services.

It’s not just about making good whiskey—it’s about making a difference, and New Riff doesn’t miss a beat.

Limited Drop. Big Stage.

Retailing at $150, this bottle drops Friday, August 1 at 11 a.m. EDT through New Riff’s Whiskey Club (free to join at newriffwhiskeyclub.com). Limited bottles, one per person. No shipping—just good old-fashioned bottle pick-up, straight from the source.

Also on deck? A killer screenprinted poster matching the label artwork, available online and in the distillery’s gift shop the same day. Because what’s a Headliner release without tour merch?

New Riff has never played by the rules—and this bottle proves why that’s a damn good thing.They’ve built their reputation on innovation, independence, and bold Kentucky flavor. With the 2025 Headliner, they’re not just releasing whiskey.They’re telling their origin story—loud, proud, and one barrel at a time.

Raise your glass, bourbon fans. The show’s not over—it’s just getting started.