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New Riff Distilling Kicks Off the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival with Exclusive Distiller Dinner


Bourbon lovers know that some of the best moments in whiskey culture happen long before the main event begins. On April 9, 2026, Kentucky Bourbon Festival will officially begin its season in spectacular fashion with the New Riff Distilling Distiller Dinner, an intimate evening celebrating craftsmanship, culinary creativity, and the unmistakable camaraderie that defines Kentucky bourbon culture.


Hosted at the stunning Savor at River House, the beloved kickoff dinner returns this year with an earlier spring date and a setting that perfectly frames the occasion. Overlooking the scenic Ohio River, the evening promises breathtaking views alongside remarkable pours and thoughtfully crafted cuisine.


A Guided Bourbon Experience

Leading the evening will be Brian Sprance, Master Distiller of New Riff Distilling, who will personally guide guests through a curated tasting that highlights the distillery’s dedication to quality and transparency.

The tasting lineup will feature several of New Riff’s celebrated expressions, including:

  • Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

  • Malted Rye

  • 8 Year Bourbon

Each pour reflects the distillery’s commitment to traditional methods and bold flavor profiles that have quickly earned New Riff a respected place in the modern bourbon landscape.


Guests will be welcomed with passed appetizers and the debut of the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival signature cocktail, crafted with New Riff’s flagship Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, recently honored with the title of World’s Best Bourbon. It’s the kind of opening act that immediately sets the tone for the evening: refined, celebratory, and unmistakably Kentucky.


A Culinary Collaboration

The bourbon will be matched by an equally impressive culinary experience crafted by renowned chef John Varanese.

Varanese, known for his globally inspired cooking and dedication to local ingredients, has designed a three-course menu specifically paired to complement each whiskey expression. His creative approach to flavor and presentation promises a dining experience that highlights both the nuance of the bourbons and the artistry of the kitchen.

The result is more than a dinner—it’s a true sensory journey through Kentucky's flavors.


A First Taste of Festival Season

Beyond the incredible food and bourbon, guests attending the Distiller Dinner will receive a special perk: early access to purchase tickets for the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which returns to Bardstown this September.


For serious bourbon fans, that alone makes the evening worth attending.

Event Details

  • Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026

  • Location: Savor at River House

  • Doors Open: 5:15 PM

  • Dinner: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Tickets: $175 per person

  • Age Requirement: 21+

Tickets are limited and non-refundable, so bourbon enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their seats early.


Get Your Tickets

Those interested in attending can purchase tickets here:



For bourbon enthusiasts, collectors, and culinary adventurers alike, the New Riff Distiller Dinner offers a rare chance to experience Kentucky bourbon at its finest—shared around a table, paired with exceptional food, and enjoyed in the company of fellow whiskey lovers.


And if this kickoff is any indication, the **2026 bourbon season is already shaping up to be one worth raising a glass to.

 
 
 

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