New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin Copper Pot Distilled
New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin (750mL, 47% ABV / 94 proof) is a gin of place from New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky — copper pot distilled from twelve botanicals, including wild Kentucky juniper and American allspice (spicebush) foraged in the state and listed on the Slow Food Ark of Taste. Non-chill filtered, with a dash of the distillery’s own new-make rye whiskey blended in to enrich texture — a whiskey-maker’s fingerprint on a gin. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 47% (94 proof) — 750mL; non-chill filtered
- Botanicals: 12 — wild Kentucky juniper, traditional juniper, spicebush, orris root, cinnamon, goldenrod, licorice, Persian lime, angelica, coriander, bitter orange peel, lemon peel
- Method: copper pot distilled; a dash of new-make rye whiskey blended in for texture
- Origin: New Riff Distilling, Newport, Kentucky
- Recognition: Gold medal, 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (per distributor Skurnik)
A Whiskey-Maker’s Gin, Foraged in Kentucky
New Riff built its name on rye and bourbon, so its gin drinks like one too — botanicals are distilled directly in a copper pot still, then that new-make rye dash gives the spirit a grip and richness most gins never reach. The foraged botanicals are the story: wild juniper and spicebush picked in Kentucky, plus goldenrod — the state flower — set against classic juniper, angelica, and coriander. Official tasting notes read classic botanicals with American allspice accents, a spicy-dry palate, and a lively, gripping citrus-spice finish. Explore New Riff or the gin shelf.
Tasting Notes
Nose of classic gin botanicals with American allspice (spicebush) accents; a spicy-dry palate with rye new-make richness; a lively, gripping finish of citrus spice and balanced juniper — described by the distributor as “spicy and confectionary.”
How to Enjoy
It shines in a Martini or a Negroni — the 94-proof backbone and rye texture stand up to vermouth and bitters. For a straight gin-and-tonic, use a classic Indian tonic and a twist of lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin really a gin?
Yes — it is a true copper-pot-distilled gin with twelve botanicals. The “whiskey” character comes from the distillery’s signature: a dash of new-make rye whiskey blended into the gin for texture.
What makes it “Kentucky Wild”?
Wild-foraged Kentucky botanicals — juniper and American allspice (spicebush), both on the Slow Food Ark of Taste — plus goldenrod, the state flower.
What proof is New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin?
94 proof (47% ABV), non-chill filtered — it may cloud slightly when chilled, which is normal.
Botanicals with a whiskey soul — order New Riff Kentucky Wild Gin online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.