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New Riff Jobs in Newport, KY (NOW HIRING)

New Riff Distilling, founded in 2014, is an independently owned-Kentucky Bourbon Distillery. We're a new riff on an old tradition. We focus on Bourbon and Rye Whiskey as well as offering one of the ...

New Riff is looking for an energetic, engaging, and passionate team member to join the FOH team as a Barback/Brand Ambassador for our, Aquifer Tasting Room. We are looking for a part-time Barback who ...

New Riff is looking for an energetic, engaging, and passionate team member to join the FOH team as a Barback/Brand Ambassador for our, Aquifer Tasting Room. We are looking for a part-time Barback who ...

New Riff Distilling, founded in 2014, is an independently owned Kentucky Bourbon Distillery. We're a new riff on an old tradition. We focus on Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, as well as offering one of the ...

New Riff Distilling, founded in 2014, is an independently owned Kentucky Bourbon Distillery. We're a new riff on an old tradition. We focus on Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, as well as offering one of the ...

New Riff is looking for an energetic, engaging, and passionate team member to join the FOH team as a Barback/Brand Ambassador for our, Aquifer Tasting Room. We are looking for a part-time Barback who ...

New Riff Distilling, founded in 2014, is an independently owned-Kentucky Bourbon Distillery. We're a new riff on an old tradition. We focus on Bourbon and Rye Whiskey as well as offering one of the ...

New Riff Distilling, founded in 2014, is an independently owned-Kentucky Bourbon Distillery. We're a new riff on an old tradition. We focus on Bourbon and Rye Whiskey as well as offering one of the ...

New Riff Distilling, founded in 2014, is an independently owned Kentucky Bourbon Distillery. We're a new riff on an old tradition. We focus on Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, as well as offering one of the ...

New Riff information

See Newport, KY salary details

$14

$26

$40

How much do new riff jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for new riff in Newport, KY is $26.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $30.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a new riff?

New Riff jobs refer to employment opportunities at New Riff Distilling, a Kentucky-based distillery known for producing bourbon, rye, and other spirits. Job roles at New Riff can include positions in production, bottling, warehouse operations, quality control, marketing, and hospitality (such as tour guides and tasting room staff). Employees are typically involved in various stages of the distillation process, customer service, or brand promotion. New Riff values craftsmanship, innovation, and a passion for the spirits industry. Working at New Riff can offer unique experiences for those interested in the world of craft distilling.

What are some common challenges faced by team members at a craft distillery like New Riff, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Working at a craft distillery such as New Riff often involves a hands-on environment where employees may be expected to multitask across production, bottling, and hospitality duties. Common challenges include adapting to fast-paced production schedules, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring safety in a manufacturing setting. Applicants can prepare by familiarizing themselves with distillation processes, developing strong attention to detail, and being open to learning new skills. Teamwork is essential, as staff frequently collaborate across departments to ensure smooth operations and uphold the brand's reputation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distillery operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distillery Operator, you need a solid understanding of fermentation, distillation processes, and quality control, often supported by experience in food science or chemical engineering. Familiarity with automated control systems, safety protocols, and laboratory analysis equipment is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are key soft skills for maintaining product consistency and efficiency. These skills ensure the safe production of high-quality spirits and the smooth operation of the distillery.

What is the difference between New Riff vs Distillery Worker?

AspectNew RiffDistillery Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in distillation or alcohol safetyHigh school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDistillery production area, safety gear requiredDistillery floor, manual labor involved
Industry UsageDistillery operations, manufacturingDistillery operations, manufacturing

New Riff is a specific distillery brand involved in whiskey production, whereas a Distillery Worker is a general role within distilleries. While both roles work in the same industry and environment, New Riff refers to a company or product, and a Distillery Worker is a job position. Understanding this distinction helps clarify career paths and industry terminology.

What cities near Newport, KY are hiring for New Riff jobs?

Cities near Newport, KY with the most New Riff job openings:

Infographic showing various New Riff job openings in Newport, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,227 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Barreling Team Member

New Riff Distillery

Newport, KY • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW:
New Riff Distilling, founded in 2014, is an independently owned-Kentucky Bourbon Distillery. We're a new riff on an old tradition. We focus on Bourbon and Rye Whiskey as well as offering one of the most robust single-barrel programs in the industry. New Riff is located in Newport, KY, on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We're open for tours, tastings, experiences, and shopping. We are "respectfully different" from the Bourbon Distilleries that have come before us - offering a unique take on America's Spirit.
JOB SUMMARY:
New Riff is seeking a diligent, detail-oriented, and safety-focused member to join our hard-working Barreling team.
The perfect fit: The ideal candidate for this position must be willing to adhere to a safety-first mentality, learn new processes and procedures effectively, perform daily duties with minimal supervision, possess strong attention to detail, demonstrate a positive attitude, and work well in a team environment. This member will maintain consistent, safe, and efficient operations across all production tasks post-distillation and pre-bottling.
This is a full-time position. Monday through Friday, 6 am - 2 pm, with possible weekend work requirements.
Benefits include 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Includes paid vacation time, flexible sick, and personal days. Retirement plan includes lump sum 401K contribution after 1 full year of employment. Starting pay based on experience is $20.00 per hour.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Maintain a safety-first mindset while performing all job duties
  • Move barrels ranging from 50-500 lbs by hand and with specialized equipment
  • Load barrels, pallets, etc. in and out of trucks, warehouses, and the distillery with a forklift and/or pallet jack.
  • Receive and accurately inventory empty and full barrels
  • Assist in monthly and yearly inventory counts
  • Repair and maintenance of barrels, racks, and stows
  • Pick up and deliver barrels, drums, glass, products, etc. using a company vehicle
  • Attend meetings as needed
  • Other duties as assigned
  • Always arrives on time and ready to work

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE:
Required Education
  • High school degree or equivalent education

Required Qualifications & Experience
  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • Ability to lift 50-500# barrels
  • Ability to work extended periods on your feet in an unconditioned environments
  • Active Drivers license in good standing
  • Ability to drive a 26' box truck
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Active participation and adherence to New Riff's Safety Program

Preferred Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (Include professional or technical certifications if applicable)
  • Ability to operate a forklift after receiving proper certification
  • 1-2 years of experience in a warehouse or manufacturing environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The position is on the production floor working on your feet in unconditioned environments for an extended period. Daily Routines require the following:
  • Adhering to all safety protocols when transporting barrels
  • Heavy lifting, including barrels up to 500#
  • Repetitive motions
  • Pushing, pulling, and maneuvering barrels and drums

COMPETENCIES:
Action Oriented: Consistently maintains high levels of activity or productivity; sustains long working hours when necessary, works with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over a sustained period.
Adaptability: Adapts well to changes in assignments and priorities; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; approaches change positively and adjusts behaviors accordingly.
Quality Oriented: Monitors and checks work to meet quality standards; demonstrates a high level of care and thoroughness; checks work to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Teamwork: Participates as an active and contributing member of a team to achieve team goals. Works cooperatively with other team members, involves others, shares information as appropriate, and shares credit for team accomplishments.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
At New Riff Distilling diversity, equity, and inclusion are directly aligned with the fundamental belief that a diverse workforce allows us to see problems in more nuanced ways, creating the thought leadership needed to fulfill our mission and reach our goals. New Riff Distilling is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply.
Employee Value Proposition
New Riff cares as much for our people as we do for our whiskey; in fact, we think the two are mutually inclusive. We believe we can only reach our goals by Doing Things Right, by improvising as best we can in our little corner of the world, and by uplifting the quality of life for all who work on it.
Just like our whiskey, we're a new riff on an old tradition, balancing the best parts of the modern workplace with some of the "old school" values of years past. New Riff offers 100% employer paid benefits for our team and their families - something only 10% of businesses our size offer.
We understand life happens outside of work, and believe employees and their families deserve time, security, a "better than most" compensation package, and control of their lives. Thus, New Riff offers flexible PTO, competitive "day one" vacation benefits you can actually enjoy, and paid parental leave. We're young, we're driven and we believe in a very simple rule --- if we treat the people right, with respect and fairness, the whiskey will turn our right too.