COVINGTON, Ky. (July 7, 2025) – LifeSciKY, Kentucky’s nonprofit lab incubator, is celebrating the opening of its new lab facility in true Kentucky fashion by partnering with New Riff Distilling to release an exclusive single barrel bourbon.
Proceeds from each bottle will support the funding for a new lab bench at LifeSciKY, providing critical space and equipment at an affordable price for early-stage companies working to transform research into real-world solutions.
“This is more than a great bottle of bourbon – it’s an investment in Kentucky’s next generation of scientific breakthroughs,” said Dr. Christin Godale, Executive Director, LifeSciKY. “Each bottle is a tribute to Kentucky’s rich scientific heritage and a toast to the future of life sciences innovation. By purchasing a bottle, you are helping to provide lab resources for the next generation of scientists, researchers, and founders.”
Hand selected by the LifeSciKY team, this 4-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon is bottled at barrel proof without chill filtration, allowing its true character to shine. While each Single Barrel has its own unique flavor profile, New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon typically delivers bold, spicy notes.
Kentucky’s legacy of innovation in the bourbon industry is a story of science – from the chemistry of distillation to the precision of aging barrels. That same spirit of discovery and entrepreneurship drives LifeSciKY as they elevate Northern Kentucky as a nationally recognized hub for life sciences innovation by providing the space for founders, researchers, and life sciences visionaries to build the future of healthcare and life sciences technology.
Located in the OneNKY Center, LifeSciKY’s 15,000-square-foot lab will open later this year, filling a critical gap for early-stage biotech companies by providing a community where innovation thrives, and startups have the resources and support to grow and make a global impact.
“New Riff is proud to partner with LifeSciKY, a local organization helping shape Kentucky’s future in science and discovery,” said Mollie Lewis, President, New Riff Distilling. “Just as we’re rooted in quality and driven by innovation, LifeSciKY is nurturing the next wave of thinkers, builders, and problem solvers. This collaboration is a celebration of shared values: supporting innovation, investing in our region, and building something meaningful together, right here at home.”
Bottles of the single barrel bourbon can be pre-ordered July 7-18 for $100 at https://newriffworks.com/products/new-riff-single-barrel-bourbon-lifesciky. Bottles will be available for pick-up from LifeSciKY in the OneNKY building beginning Sept. 12 with advance notice.
About LifeSciKY
LifeSciKY is a nonprofit corporation founded in November 2022, accelerating science, entrepreneurship, education, and economic development in Covington, Kentucky. LifeSciKY provides affordable lab space, state-of-the-art equipment, and essential resources to empower innovators and advance groundbreaking work. To learn more, visit LifeSciKY.com.
About New Riff
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 — 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. 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.
