New Riff founder announces retirement, elevates current employees

New Riff Distilling founder, co-owner and chief executive officer Ken Lewis announced he plans to retire in the spring of 2024, coinciding with the distillery’s tenth anniversary. After 50 years in the beverage alcohol industry, Ken’s impacts range from revolutionizing the beverage retail experience to changing Kentucky’s Sunday liquor sale policies to successfully lobbying for distilleries to sell their own products by the drink on their premises. A three-person leadership team — all current employees — will lead the distillery into its next phase.

“From the beginning, New Riff has been about innovation — about trying new things, about growing and exploring what we could do in the whiskey space,” Ken said. “In that spirit, it is time for a new chapter at New Riff. Although it is hard for me to leave, I am excited to see what’s ahead and to celebrate the distillery’s successes in the future. I could not imagine a better group of people to take the helm and they are the reason I know it is the right time for me to step back.”

New Riff will be led by Hannah Lowen as chief executive officer, Mollie Lewis as president and Denny Gorman as chief operating officer. Hannah will transition from her role as vice president of operations. Currently the company’s director of sales, Mollie will become the second generation to be a part of the New Riff leadership team when she succeeds her father in his role as president. Denny is transitioning from director of engineering and logistics.

A part of the team since before the distillery opened, Hannah established New Riff’s operating systems, company branding and distillery programs as the company launched. For the past decade, she’s worked to shape the company’s mission, optimize operations and propel the company forward.

Mollie has served as sales director since the company’s founding, a perfect fit following time spent as an international export manager in Italy. Prior to that, she attended the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and worked in different channels of the wine and spirits business from sommelier to distributor.

Denny, a professional engineer, joined the team in 2019 after more than a decade at The Boston Beer Company in Cincinnati, where he held roles in engineering, maintenance and project management. 

For more information, visit www.newriffdistilling.com.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon sets fourth release for this summer

Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s fourth release of Kentucky straight Bourbon whiskey, which is named after U.S. Senator John Sherman Cooper of Somerset in Pulaski County, Kentucky, is hitting shelves this summer.

Set for late June release, the John Sherman Cooper release is aged eight years in oak barrels coming in at 107 proof with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley.

Kentucky Senator Spirits will distribute approximately 1,000 bottles of this 2023 limited edition small batch Bourbon, to be sold with a suggested retail price of $134.99. It has been distilled and aged in Kentucky, bottled at Bluegrass Distillers in Lexington and is being distributed by Kentucky Eagle Wine & Spirits.

The John Sherman Cooper Release will be rolled out at select Kentucky retailers, with a single barrel private selection at all Liquor Barn stores. This limited-edition release is also available online at www.BourbonOutfitter.com

In addition to the small batch bottles available next month in Kentucky liquor stores, bars and restaurants, Kentucky Senator Bourbon will feature a limited quantity for sale at the world-famous Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C.

First-ever Black Brewers Association launched

The craft brewing business accounted for nearly $29 billion in beer sales last year, which is nearly one-quarter of the $120 billion beer industry revenue in the U.S. But of the nearly 10,000 craft brewers in the country, only about 1% are Black individuals.

A group of like-minded Black entrepreneurs are now setting out determined to change this dynamic. At the Annual Craft Brewers Conference, they announced the establishment of the National Black Brewers Association. The first-of-its-kind non-profit organization is committed to: promoting the Black brewing community; Increasing the number of African American individuals in the brewing industry at all levels of production, especially ownership and brew-masters; exercising influence by developing and advocating for effective policies; and fostering historical context, and legacy surrounding African American influence on brewing in the US.

“The launch of the National Black Brewers Association will create a more inclusive and vibrant beer industry by providing black brewers access to the resources, mentorships, and networks needed to thrive,” said Kevin Johnson, founder of NB2A.

To help spearhead the organization, the NB2A has announced the appointment of Kevin Asato, a 30-year veteran of the beverage industry, as its first Executive Director. Asato brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position, having previously held leadership roles at major beverage distributors across the country.

Log Still Distillery Launches Single Barrel Selection Program

Log Still Distillery, a family-run distillery founded by Wally Dant and cousins Lynne and Charles Dant, is proud to announce the launch of its Single Barrel Selection Program. This experience embodies the distillery’s deep-rooted commitment to community while inviting visitors to partake in a personal bourbon journey.

“Every barrel of bourbon carries a piece of our historic distillery trailblazing milestones and the spirit of southern Nelson County,” said Wally Dant, Log Still Distillery President and Distiller. “With this special offering, we are excited to share the opportunity for guests to select their personal single barrel and celebrate their own triumphs, legacy, and Kentucky’s heritage.”

The Single Barrel Selection Program includes a private distillery tour and a guided tasting of multiple single barrel selections, including Monk’s Road Bourbon and Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskeys. Guests will also enjoy small bites and cocktails prepared by the distillery’s culinary team. Each visitor’s selected barrel will be marked with a customized bottle label, making the occasion deeply personal and memorable.

Visitors to Log Still Distillery will find more than just exceptional bourbon. The new program is an embodiment of Log Still’s mission – connecting the past, present, and future of bourbon through a unique, personal experience. It offers an opportunity not just to taste history but to become part of it. The Single Barrel Selection Program is available upon request. To learn more or to schedule a visit, please visit www.logstilldistillery.com.