Bourbon's Bold Innovator
On October 20, 2024, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® held its annual induction ceremony, welcoming five new members who have made extraordinary contributions to the bourbon industry. The event, held at The Legacy at Log Still Distillery during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, celebrated these pioneers in front of an audience of more than 250 of bourbon’s most influential figures. While each inductee brought something unique to the table, one name stands out to Cincinnati locals—Ken Lewis, the driving force behind The Party Source and New Riff Distilling.
Ken Lewis, now 71, didn’t start his career in bourbon. Originally trained as an English teacher, his journey into the world of spirits began unexpectedly when he was offered the opportunity to take over a struggling liquor store. What started as a temporary gig turned into a decades-long career that transformed not only his business but the bourbon industry itself.
Lewis first made waves as the founder of The Party Source, a groundbreaking retail megastore in Northern Kentucky. But his influence didn’t stop at running a successful business. He played a pivotal role in modernizing liquor laws, pushing for Sunday sales and spearheading litigation that allowed credit cards to be used for alcohol purchases—changes that reshaped alcohol retailing in Kentucky and beyond.
In 2014, after selling The Party Source to his employees through an employee stock ownership plan, Lewis turned his attention to crafting bourbon. He founded New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky, with the goal of blending tradition with modern innovation. Lewis aimed to create one of the finest small distilleries in the world, and he succeeded. New Riff’s commitment to quality—especially their bottled-in-bond whiskey—has made the distillery a standout in the craft bourbon scene. Under Lewis’ leadership, New Riff has become a key player in Kentucky’s bourbon tourism industry, attracting visitors from across the globe.
Ken Lewis’ recognition at the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® with the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey from educator to spirits mogul has left an indelible mark on both Cincinnati and Kentucky’s bourbon industry. Lewis not only built a thriving business in The Party Source, but also paved the way for New Riff Distilling to contribute to the craft bourbon boom now sweeping Kentucky.
His influence goes beyond business success; his efforts in legislative reform, employee empowerment, and dedication to creating a new wave of distilling excellence have positioned him as a true innovator in the industry.
The 2024 Hall of Fame inductees also included several other key figures:
Elmer Lucille Allen, a trailblazer as the first Black chemist at Brown-Forman, who broke racial and gender barriers in the industry.
Dee Ford, whose leadership at Angel’s Envy helped turn the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® into a global attraction.
Peter T. Loftin, who founded Bardstown Bourbon Company and set a new standard for bourbon tourism and collaborative distilling.
R.M. Corky Taylor, who resurrected his family’s bourbon legacy with Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
Each of these honorees has made lasting contributions, but for Cincinnatians, Ken Lewis stands out as the hometown hero who revolutionized how we think about bourbon, retail, and entrepreneurship.
As the bourbon industry continues to grow, Ken Lewis’ impact will be felt for years to come. His work helped shape modern retailing practices and set new standards for quality and innovation in craft distilling. Whether you’re a fan of bourbon or simply admire entrepreneurial spirit, Ken Lewis’ story is one that highlights the power of persistence, vision, and a willingness to push boundaries.