Bourbon with Aussie Pluck: Larrikin’s Kentucky Distillery Puts Its Stamp on the ASCOT Awards

Behind that bottle stands Greg Keeley, a Navy veteran who traded his military service for a mission of a different sort – bringing what he calls ‘bourbon with personality and a smidge of Aussie mischief’ to Kentucky’s hallowed whiskey grounds. Larrikin Bourbon Co. isn’t trying to replicate the giants that came before it. Instead, Keeley and his team are apprenticing to the craft while boldly charting their own course.

Seven Medals and Serious Recognition

The haul included Platinum medals for both the Rosewater Bourbon and Single Barrel High Wheat Rye, alongside Gold medals for their Bottled in Bond, Deep Purple high-proof expression and Decade Rye Cognac Finish. The Maple Bourbon Cream, crafted with Wisconsin dairy and maple syrup, also earned Platinum recognition – proof that Larrikin’s willingness to experiment pays dividends.

This success mirrors broader trends in premium spirits business, where authenticity and performance matter more than traditional marketing approaches.

Breaking Rules, Keeping Respect

Where many craft distilleries either slavishly follow tradition or chase the latest trends, Larrikin respects Kentucky’s bourbon heritage while unapologetically breaking rules. The rosewater-infused bourbon represents this perfectly – a technique that would make bourbon purists wince but delivers complexity that judges can’t ignore.

The high wheat rye expression showcases another dimension of Larrikin’s approach. Rather than following standard mash bill formulas, they’ve crafted something that bridges the gap between traditional bourbon and rye whiskey. Each expression reflects Keeley’s belief that ‘good whiskey doesn’t follow trends – it sets them’.

The bourbon cream represents perhaps their boldest departure from convention. Using Wisconsin dairy and maple syrup, it’s a product that shouldn’t work in theory but delivers sophisticated flavour that earned it a Platinum medal against international competition.

Blind Judging, Real Results

The ASCOT Awards carry particular weight in the spirits world precisely because of their rigorous methodology. Led by whiskey authority Fred Minnick, the competition uses blind judging and a strict 100-point scale to assess appearance, aroma, taste and finish. Judges can’t be swayed by brand recognition or marketing – they taste what’s in the glass.

Competition Circuit Success

The ASCOT success builds on momentum Larrikin has been generating across multiple competitions. Recent wins at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, San Francisco Spirits Awards and New York International demonstrate that the distillery’s appeal extends well beyond a single judging panel.

This breadth of recognition suggests Larrikin has found something that resonates with diverse palates and judging philosophies. It’s not a case of one competition being particularly friendly to their style – they’re consistently delivering quality that judges recognise.

What’s in Your Glass

For whiskey drinkers seeking something beyond the standard offerings, Larrikin provides exactly what the awards suggest – variety without sacrificing substance. The eight-year Bottled in Bond expression retails around $80, positioning it as accessible luxury rather than trophy bourbon.

The range offers options for different moods and occasions. The rosewater bourbon brings floral complexity that works beautifully in cocktails or sipped neat. The high wheat rye delivers spice and depth for those seeking something more traditional yet distinctive. The bourbon cream provides dessert-like richness without cloying sweetness.

These are bottles for drinkers who value quality over hype, who appreciate craftsmanship that doesn’t need to announce itself. The Australian influence adds an element of irreverence that keeps things interesting without undermining the fundamental respect for bourbon tradition.

Recognition Validates Risk

‘We’re pumped, not just for the silverware, but for what Fred Minnick’s Ascot Awards represent,’ Keeley reflects. The recognition validates an approach that many thought risky – bringing outsider perspective to an insider’s game.

Back in that Louisville bourbon bar, more patrons now ask for Larrikin by name. The bartender no longer needs to explain what makes it different – the liquid speaks for itself. That bottle rarely sits untouched on the shelf these days, and when it does get poured, it starts conversations about what bourbon can be when tradition meets fresh thinking.

The distillery’s Lawrenceburg tasting room has become a destination for whiskey enthusiasts seeking experiences beyond the standard bourbon trail offerings. Visitors find not just award-winning whiskey but a philosophy that celebrates both heritage and experimentation.

Larrikin Bourbon Co. proves that respecting tradition doesn’t require copying it. Sometimes the best way to honour Kentucky bourbon’s legacy is to write the next chapter with your own voice – even if that voice carries a hint of Australian accent.