Brian Sprance

“From Brewer to Distiller”

Brian  Sprance’s journey reads like a novel in liquid form—full of transformation, dedication, and the alchemy of flavor. Born and raised around Cincinnati, he entered the beverage world at 21, delivering beer for BarrelHouse Brewing before rising through the ranks to become a brewer there. His path next led him to Boston Beer Company, where he honed his fermentation expertise working with Samuel Adams and a wide portfolio of brews.

In 2013, just as New Riff Distilling was taking shape under visionary Ken  Lewis and Jay  Erisman, Sprance—bound by a non‑compete with Boston Beer—found a new calling. Recommended by consulting master distiller Larry  Ebersold, he brought a brewer’s sensitivity to fermentation and a fresh perspective—no ingrained barrel traditions, just pure creativity. The following year, as the distillery opened its doors, Brian became its head distiller—a role he grew into by mastering mash bills, fermentations, and quality control with rigorous dedication.

Under Larry Ebersold’s mentorship, Sprance learned not by rote instruction, but via probing questions that led him to "a full understanding of each situation" in whiskey creation. Those lessons launched a decade-long exploration of grains—from bourbon’s traditional corn‑rye‑barley mash to inventive recipes like Winter Whiskey with malted oats and chocolate malt.

In January 2024, as New Riff approached its 10th anniversary, Brian’s leadership and innovative vision were formally honored: he became the first-ever master distiller in the distillery’s history. This milestone marked a pivotal shift—under his stewardship, New Riff began expanding into new markets, rolling out aged releases, and entering its transformational year.

Outside the distillery, Brian remains characteristically private. Public records and profiles show he studied at the University of Cincinnati and maintains ties to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. However, no credible sources reveal whether he is married or has children—he seems to prefer letting his whiskey speak for his life’s work.

As Master Distiller, Sprance now guides a team through pioneering new whiskey styles—from high‑malt bourbons and ryes to celebrated single malts like their Marris  Otter and Golden  Promise bottlings. With his roots firmly in brewing, Brian sees whisky-making as an art of flavor fermentation—distillation merely concentrates what fermentation imparts.

His story is one of humility and craftsmanship: a brewer turned pioneering distiller, mentored by legends, and now shaping his own legacy. Though he shies from the spotlight beyond his work, Brian Sprance’s spirit is unmistakably woven into every New Riff bottle—and that says everything you need to know.

Contributed by Daniel Snyder, Champaign, Illinois

Sources: 1. Whiskey Magazine, January 2024

2. Bourbon & Banter podcast, January 24, 2024