CINCINNATI, Ohio — Graeter’s Ice Cream, the nation’s oldest family-owned craft ice cream brand, has teamed up with Kentucky’s own New Riff Distilling to unveil a new, indulgent treat: Bourbon Ball Ice Cream. This first-of-its-kind collaboration between the two beloved brands pays homage to the classic Kentucky confection, blending Graeter’s signature small-batch ice cream with New Riff’s award-winning bourbon.
The new flavor is now available for nationwide shipping at Graeters.com, and will arrive in Graeter’s scoop shops beginning Monday, April 14. It will also be available for purchase at New Riff Distilling’s Gift Shop starting Saturday, April 12, with in-store availability at Meijer, Jungle Jim’s, and Dorothy Lane Market locations rolling out later this spring.
Bourbon Ball Ice Cream features bourbon-infused ice cream swirled with whiskey-glazed pecans and rich dark chocolate chips. The bourbon is sourced from a hand-selected, single barrel of New Riff Bourbon, delivering bold flavor and a smooth finish. This new offering evolves and replaces Graeter’s former Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan flavor, pushing the boundaries of indulgence while honoring Kentucky’s culinary traditions.
“This collaboration is a celebration of craftsmanship,” said Richard Graeter, fourth-generation President and CEO of Graeter’s. “By partnering with New Riff to handpick a special barrel of their bourbon, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind flavor that embodies the best of both worlds — fine bourbon and handcrafted ice cream.”
New Riff’s commitment to traditional sour mash techniques and bottled-in-bond standards made them the perfect match for Graeter’s artisan approach. The partnership unites two family-owned brands that share a deep-rooted passion for quality, creativity, and community.
“We’re proud to work with a local icon like Graeter’s,” said Mollie Lewis, President of New Riff Distilling. “Seeing how they incorporated our Single Barrel Bourbon into this luxurious recipe was incredible. It’s more than just a dessert — it’s a fusion of two Kentucky legacies.”
To celebrate the launch, New Riff Distilling will host a free tasting event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 12, where fans can sample Bourbon Ball Ice Cream and purchase pints on-site.
About Graeter’s Ice Cream
Founded in 1870, Graeter’s Ice Cream has handcrafted premium ice cream using the traditional French Pot method for over 150 years. With more than 50 retail stores and distribution in over 3,000 grocery stores across 46 states, Graeter’s continues to deliver rich, creamy, and indulgent ice cream one small batch at a time.
About New Riff Distilling
New Riff Distilling, located in Newport, Kentucky, is a family-owned distillery redefining traditional bourbon-making with a modern twist. Established in 2014 by Ken Lewis, a former liquor retailer, the distillery is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation. New Riff produces a range of spirits, including high-rye bourbon, rye whiskey, and Kentucky Wild Gin, all crafted using non-GMO grains and mineral-rich water sourced from an on-site aquifer. Adhering to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, their whiskeys are aged for at least four years and bottled without chill filtration, ensuring a full-bodied flavor profile. Visitors can explore the distillery through various tours and tastings, experiencing firsthand the meticulous process behind each bottle. With its dedication to tradition and a passion for innovation, New Riff Distilling has quickly become a notable name in the American craft spirits scene.
For more, visit NewRiffDistilling.com
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