Graeter’s, New Riff team up for new bourbon ball ice cream. How you can get it
If you’re looking for the perfect marriage of “Kentucky” and “bourbon” to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, the return of spring, or just an average Tuesday, check out Graeter’s new ice cream.
Cincinnati-based Graeter’s Ice Cream has collaborated with Newport’s New Riff Distilling on Graeter’s Bourbon Ball Ice Cream.
Inspired by the classic Kentucky candy, the new flavor is available now for shipping nationwide at Graeters.com. It’s also available in Graeter’s scoop shops and the New Riff gift shop, and will be coming to grocery stores, including Meije,r by the end of April.
What does Bourbon Ball Ice Cream taste like?
According to the tasting notes, it’s “a rich, bourbon-infused ice cream with whiskey-glazed pecans and dark chocolate chips.”
Yeah, a few scoops of this and you’ll be feeling whiskey-glazed alright.
Actually, while the ice cream has the flavor, there isn’t really an alcohol zing (you know, like your great aunt’s bourbon balls that make your mouth go numb.) According to a spokesperson, there’s New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon hand picked by the team in the ice cream but it’s less than 0.5% ABV, meaning the ice cream is less than 1 proof.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with another local, family-owned business that shares our passion for craft and quality,” said Mollie Lewis, president of New Riff. “Graeter’s has been an incredible partner — not only do they make amazing ice cream, but the way they incorporated our Single Barrel Bourbon into this recipe blew us away. It’s the perfect blend of two great traditions, and we can’t wait for everyone to get a taste.”
Previous Graeter’s versions
If you’re thinking, wait a minute, didn’t Graeter’s already have a bourbon ball? Yes and no.
According to the news release, Bourbon Ball will replace Graeter’s Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan.
And back in 2015, Graeter’s had its first official version, a seasonal flavor, called Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chip, which used bourbon flavoring.
Before that, Graeter’s stores in Lexington and Louisville, which were operated separately, had their own version of bourbon ball ice cream made with real bourbon poured in. But that much alcohol (even then it wasn’t very much) wouldn’t work for a national flavor because food laws vary by state.
Also, this is the first time that Graeter’s has put the name of the bourbon front and center, so the newest version pairs two small-batch craft flavor makers in one great dessert.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with New Riff Distilling to create a flavor that celebrates two iconic treats: Kentucky Bourbon and ice cream,” said Richard Graeter, fourth-generation president and CEO of Graeter’s, in the announcement. “Working with the team at New Riff to taste and select a special Single Barrel, our team has created the perfect fusion of our hand-crafted process and New Riff’s exceptional distilling, delivering a unique experience that honors the rich flavors of Kentucky.”
