New Riff Snags Four Medals at 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

From Northern Kentucky to the world stage, New Riff Distilling continues to make noise. The award-winning distillery, home to the 2026 World Whiskies Awards’ World’s Best Bourbon, added four more medals to their collection —including three gold medals and a silver medal from this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Please consider New Riff’s latest recognitions for any upcoming articles that may be a fit. 

Gold medals were awarded to New Riff’s 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 6-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon and its flagship bourbon and recently awarded World’s Best Bourbon, Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. New Riff’s 2026 Single Malt Whiskey was awarded a Silver medal at this year’s showing. 

Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions. During the competition, blind tastings are conducted by a thoughtfully curated list of judges, each with a seasoned, trusted palate. 

Medal winners range from the most renowned international distillers to small-batch producers. Earning an SFWSC award is a testament to hard work and an indicator of the highest caliber of quality. Visit sfspiritscomp.com to review the complete list of 2026 results. 

If I can provide any additional information or connect you with a member of the New Riff team to learn more, please let me know! 

About New Riff Distilling: 

Fiercely independent and unabashedly innovative: New Riff Distilling starts with time-honored sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond standards, creating new riffs on old traditions since 2014. Located in Northern Kentucky and — the gateway to bourbon country — the independently-owned distillery produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey and gin, including its acclaimed flagship Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey which was named the World’s Best Bourbon at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards. Bourbon and rye are also available in single barrel selections, and the distillery boasts a popular private barrel selection program offering quarter, half and full barrel picks complete with personalized labels. New Riff sources its water from an alluvial aquifer under the distillery, accessed via a 100’ deep private well and providing cold, clean and mineral-rich water perfect for whiskey making. The public-facing spaces in the distillery, renovated in 2023, include the Riff Shop with customizable gifting options and locally sourced artisan goods; and The Aquifer Tasting Room, located on the third floor of the distillery, featuring signature cocktails, flights, and pours of New Riff’s entire portfolio of award-winning spirits including rare, limited-edition, and distillery-exclusive releases.

Contact: Aubrey Stemle 
[email protected] 
Estes Public Relations 
(502) 721-0335