We’re bringing the New Riff Roadshow home to Louisville! Join Bourbon Women for an unforgettable evening at Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen, where Southern flavor meets Kentucky spirit. Enjoy signature New Riff cocktails, a guided tasting of their award-winning lineup, and Merle’s famous street tacos—because nothing pairs with good bourbon like good food and even better company.

Meet fellow whiskey-loving women, raise a glass to New Riff’s bold spirit of innovation, and discover what makes this distillery a favorite among Bourbon Women nationwide.

Join Mollie Lewis President - New Riff Distilling, Rawnica Dillingham Chief Sales Officer and Lauren Rine, Southwest Regional Manager for an engaging and intimate experience, featuring a guided tasting, storytelling, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to bring innovation and intention to every bottle.

You’ll sip through a thoughtfully curated selection of New Riff whiskeys, dive into each expression’s unique profile, and learn how these women are helping to shape the future of the whiskey world.

This exclusive evening features:

• A New Riff welcome cocktail to kick things off

• A selection of New Riff whiskey samples to explore throughout the night

• Merle’s famous tacos served alongside your pours

• A chance to connect with fellow Bourbon Women in a relaxed, social setting

• Spirited conversation, giveaways, and a toast to Kentucky’s own innovation in whiskey

🎟 $35 BW Members | Member +1 72.50 |$50 Non-Members 

SPECIAL PRICING: $100 Bundle Includes ticket includes 1-year BW Membership (New, Gift, or Expired)

Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just starting your whiskey journey, this is a great opportunity to connect with the trailblazers behind the bottle.

About New Riff Distilling:

Located in Newport, Kentucky, New Riff is a family-owned, independent distillery grounded in tradition yet unafraid of experimentation. From their bottled-in-bond bourbon and rye to innovative limited releases, New Riff’s commitment to quality and transparency has made them a favorite among modern whiskey lovers.

About Mollie Lewis:

Mollie Lewis became president of New Riff Distilling in March 2024, marking the second generation of family leadership at the independently owned distillery. After serving as sales director for a decade and helping launch the company in 2014 alongside her father and founder, Ken Lewis, Mollie now leads New Riff with a strong focus on community and impact while shaping its next chapter with a fresh perspective and a deep respect for the distillery’s roots.

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Mollie began her career in the wine and spirits industry after earning her degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley. Her experience spans roles as a sommelier, distributor, and international export manager, with time spent in San Francisco and Italy before returning home to help grow New Riff.

As president, she champions the distillery’s mission and vision and serves as its voice in the community, representing New Riff through partnerships, media, and industry associations.Mollie brings her family’s entrepreneurial spirit to the distillery’s decision making, with an eye toward innovation, independence, and making some of the world’s best whiskey.

About Rawnica Dillingham:

Rawnica Dillingham brings over 25 years of experience in beverage alcohol and hospitality to her role as Chief Sales Officer at New Riff Distilling. Her career has focused on strategic growth, customer engagement, and building strong distributor and trade relationships.

Before joining New Riff, she served as Director of Sales and National Director of Consumer Experience at Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, where she led portfolio expansion, national events, and brand partnerships. She also held key roles at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, managing brands like Beam Suntory, Campari, and Wild Turkey.

Rawnica is a committed advocate for women and underrepresented voices in the industry. She serves on the Scholarship Committee for Women of the Vine & Spirits, the Education Committee for the USBG, The Mentorship and Education Committee for Bourbon Women and is an Ambassador for CORE.

Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, reading, and exploring classic cocktails. A Cincinnati native, she’s also a wife, mother, and grandmother who values connection, inclusion, and authenticity in all she does.

About Lauren Rine:

Lauren Rine is an accomplished business development professional with over a decade of experience in the wine and spirits industry. She currently drives sales growth across five states (TX,OK,CO,NM,AR) as the Southwest Regional Manager with New Riff Distilling.

Previously, she held leadership roles at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Hotaling and Co. and Barrell Craft Spirits where she consistently led top-performing sales teams and created innovative programs to boost performance.

Lauren holds a BA in Anthropology with a Business Foundations Certificate from the University of Texas at Austin and has earned multiple industry awards, including the WSET Level 2 Spirits certification. Her passion for brand development, team leadership, and client relationships continues to drive measurable success in competitive markets.

Must be 21 or older to participate. Please sip responsibly.