Ken Lewis, the founder of The Party Source and New Riff Distilling, is retiring.
While news of his retirement was announced last summer, Lewis’ last official day is March 6.
After 50 years in the beverage alcohol industry, Lewis’ impacts range from changing Kentucky’s Sunday liquor sale policies to lobbying for distilleries to sell their own products by the drink on their premises.
Lewis is turning the reins over to several long-time employees. New Riff will be led by Hannah Lowen as chief executive officer, Mollie Lewis as president and Denny Gormanas chief operating officer. Lowen will transition from her role as vice president of operations. Lewis, now director of sales, will become the second generation to be a part of the New Riff leadership team when she succeeds her father in his role as president. Gorman is transitioning from director of engineering and logistics.
Opening in 2014, New Riff’s production and storage facilities have expanded recently, with a new barrel warehouse in Silver Grove built in 2023 and a distillery expansion in 2021. Last year the Newport distillery underwent renovations to its public-facing spaces, including a new gift shop space and transforming the third floor into The Aquifer tasting and cocktail bar.
Lewis will continue to serve on New Riff’s board of directors.