Rhinegeist and New Riff Just Dropped DUET - The Cincinnati Whiskey Collab You Need to Try

Rhinegeist and New Riff Just Dropped DUET - The Cincinnati Whiskey Collab You Need to Try

When two of Cincinnati's most beloved alcohol brands join forces, you know something special is brewing ... or in this case, distilling. Rhinegeist Brewery and New Riff Distilling have officially released DUET, a collaborative American whiskey that represents everything we love about the 513's craft beverage scene: innovation, quality, and a deep respect for local tradition.

Released this past Friday, DUET isn't just another whiskey hitting the shelves. It's a celebration of what happens when Kentucky's rich distilling heritage meets Cincinnati's storied brewing history ... all tied together by one essential ingredient: barley.

Why Barley Makes This Collab Special

Barley is the unsung hero of both beer and bourbon. It's the foundation that gives each their character, their depth, their soul. Rhinegeist has built its reputation on crafting exceptional beers from carefully selected barley. New Riff has made its mark by producing bold, innovative whiskeys that honor Kentucky traditions while pushing boundaries.

For DUET, the two teams worked together to select specific barley varieties that would shine in the final product. The result? A whiskey that captures the best of both worlds ... the malt-forward complexity you might expect from a craft brewery's sensibility, combined with the bold, oak-aged character of a Kentucky distillery's expertise.

"This collaboration has been years in the making," says the team at Rhinegeist. "We've always respected what New Riff does across the river, and we wanted to create something that truly represents this region's alcohol heritage."

Where to Find DUET in Cincinnati

If you're ready to get your hands on a bottle of this Cincinnati-Kentucky collaboration, here's where to look:

Rhinegeist Brewery - Head to their taproom in Over-the-Rhine at 1910 Elm Street. Not only can you grab a bottle of DUET, but you can also experience the brewery where it all started. The taproom offers a full view of their brewing operations and plenty of space to enjoy a pint while you're there.

New Riff Distilling - Cross the river to Newport, Kentucky, and visit their distillery at 24 Distillery Way. New Riff offers tours that take you through the entire whiskey-making process, from grain to glass. It's worth the trip to see where the distilling magic happens.

Local Retailers - DUET is also rolling out to select liquor stores throughout the Cincinnati area. Check with your favorite local shop, or call ahead to confirm availability. Given the buzz around this release, bottles are moving fast.

The Bigger Picture: Cincinnati's Craft Beverage Renaissance

DUET represents more than just a tasty whiskey. It's a symbol of how far Cincinnati's craft beverage scene has come. Ten years ago, finding locally made craft beer or spirits meant searching hard and settling for mediocre options. Today, we're home to nationally recognized breweries, distilleries, and now collaborations that draw attention from across the country.

This partnership between Rhinegeist and New Riff shows that the local alcohol industry isn't just growing ... it's maturing. These brands aren't competing; they're collaborating, elevating each other, and putting the Cincinnati region on the map as a serious destination for craft beverage enthusiasts.

For locals, that means more options, higher quality, and the pride of knowing that some of the best beer and whiskey in America are being made right here in our backyard.

How to enjoy DUET....

Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just curious about what the hype is about, here are a few ways to experience DUET:

Neat or On the Rocks - Start simple. Pour a glass and let the whiskey speak for itself. You'll pick up notes of malted barley, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice that lingers pleasantly on the finish.

In an Old Fashioned - The classic cocktail lets DUET shine while adding just enough sweetness and bitters to complement its character. Use a quality simple syrup and Angostura bitters, garnish with an orange peel.

With a Rhinegeist Chaser - For the full experience, pair your DUET pour with one of Rhinegeist's signature beers. The contrast between whiskey and beer highlights the shared barley DNA that makes this collaboration unique.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About DUET

What is DUET whiskey?

DUET is a collaborative American whiskey created by Cincinnati's Rhinegeist Brewery and Newport's New Riff Distilling. It uses barley as the connecting ingredient between brewing and distilling traditions.

Where can I buy DUET in Cincinnati?

DUET is available at Rhinegeist Brewery in Over-the-Rhine, New Riff Distilling in Newport, and select local liquor retailers throughout the Cincinnati area.

How much does DUET cost?

Pricing varies by retailer, but expect to pay a premium craft whiskey price point given the collaboration's limited nature and quality ingredients.

Is DUET a limited release?

While official production numbers haven't been disclosed, collaborations like this are typically produced in limited quantities. If you want a bottle, don't wait too long.

Can I visit both breweries in one day?

Absolutely! Rhinegeist in OTR and New Riff in Newport are about 15 minutes apart. Make a day of it ... start with a Rhinegeist tour and tasting, then head across the river to New Riff.

The Bottom Line

DUET isn't just a whiskey ... it's a statement. It says that Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have arrived as a serious craft beverage destination. It says that collaboration beats competition. And it says that when two local powerhouses put their heads together, the result is something worth raising a glass to.

Whether you're a longtime Rhinegeist fan, a New Riff loyalist, or just someone who appreciates quality local products, DUET deserves a spot on your shelf. Grab a bottle, pour a glass, and toast to the 513's craft beverage scene. It's only getting better from here.

Have you tried DUET yet? Let us know what you think ... and what local collab you'd love to see next.