The Kentucky based New Riff Distilling has announced the launch of its third annual Headliner whiskey, celebrating the distillery’s independent spirit while supporting local charities.

New Riff Headliner 2026 (59.4% ABV) is a blended American whiskey comprising three distinct whiskeys, all aged for at least 10 years: 50% 11 Year Old Malted Rye Bourbon, 25% 11 Year Old Rye and 25% 10 Year Old Balboa Rye.

More than a decade after filling its first barrels, New Riff continues to demonstrate that honouring whiskey tradition does not mean following convention. The 2026 Headliner reflects that philosophy, bringing together some of the distillery’s oldest and most distinctive whiskeys in a blend that is unmistakably New Riff.

This year’s release continues the Headliner tradition of supporting local charitable causes, with proceeds from bottle sales benefiting two regional non-profit organisations. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati which provides mentoring services to more than 1,000 children and their families each year across 13 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Tri-State Trails which works to connect people and places through a regional trail and bikeway network, enhancing community vibrancy and promoting greater equity.

New Riff Headliner 2026 opens with rich oak layered with dark fruit and pine on the nose, followed by the familiar New Riff notes of clove, black pepper and warm baking spice. The palate is rich and balanced, opening with fig, raisin and honeyed currant before deep oak and dark spice develop across the mid-palate. The finish is long, resinous and dry, with lingering oak tannins, pine, black pepper and a final echo of dark fruit.

Commenting on the launch, Brian Sprance, Master Distiller, said: “We always look forward to creating Headliner each year because it gives us a chance to step outside our everyday work and approach blending as a true creative exercise. It’s an opportunity to revisit some of our favourite whiskies from throughout the years and experiment with combinations we might not otherwise explore. We started with a lot of possibilities but kept coming back to three standout components. Maybe it’s no coincidence that some of our favourite punk bands only needed three members. This trio just worked, creating something exciting, distinctive and driven by our way of doing things.”

Limited in quantities, New Riff Headliner 2026 will be available from July 24th via the New Riff Whiskey Club website, for a RRP of $150.00.