New Riff Distilling’s Headliner release returns for a third year, comprising a blend of three distinct whiskeys, all aged at least 10 years. 

Proceeds from the release will benefit Brighton Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, and Tri-State Trails. For more information, visit newriffdistilling.com.

Bringing together familiar fan favorites in a lineup that is both recognizable and entirely new, this year’s Headliner features a blend of 50% 11-year-old Malted Rye bourbon, 25% 11-year-old Rye and 25% 10-year-old Balboa Rye. It is the first Headliner release where every component is at least a decade old and marks New Riff’s first 50/50 bourbon and rye blend. 

“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,” Master Distiller Brian Sprance said in a news release. “It’s an opportunity to revisit some of our favorite 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 favorite punk bands only needed three members. This trio just worked, creating something exciting, distinctive, and driven by our way of doing things.”

More than a decade after filling its first barrels, New Riff continues to stress that honoring whiskey tradition doesn’t 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’s unmistakably New Riff.

Bottled without chill filtration at 118.8 proof, this year’s release continues the Headliner tradition of supporting local charitable causes, with proceeds from bottle sales benefiting three regional nonprofits. Brighton Center partners with individuals and families to help them reach financial stability and independence through family support services, education, employment and leadership. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati provides mentoring services to more than 1,000 children and their families on an annual basis across 13 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Tri-State Trails works to connect people and places with a regional trail and bikeway network to enhance vibrancy and equity in the community.  

“Headliner represents what happens when we give our team the freedom to push boundaries while staying true to who we are,” President Mollie Lewis said. “That same philosophy extends beyond our walls. We’re proud that every bottle of Headliner supports organizations that are helping build stronger, more connected communities throughout our region.”

The 2026 Headliner release will retail for $150 per bottle. A limited number of bottles will be released, and they will be available for purchase on Friday, July 24, at 11 a.m. Eastern through New Riff’s Whiskey Club. Membership is free at www.newriffwhiskeyclub.com. There is a limit of 1 bottle per person. Bottles will be available for pickup only and cannot be shipped. 

Read more: New Riff Releases 2026 Single Malt Blend

About New Riff Distilling

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 — the gateway to bourbon country — the independently-owned distillery produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey and gin. 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.