Larrikin Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review.

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Larrikin Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

    Larrikin Bourbon Company is one of those brands I had been watching from a distance, waiting for it to finally land here in Indiana. In 2026, we started seeing bottles hit shelves, along with a few store picks, including this single barrel selected by Handy Spot Liquor in Indiana. After tasting it in-store, I walked away… and then came back two days later to buy it. That alone should tell you something.

    Transparency is a strong point for the brand, and on paper this nine-year, barrel proof single barrel looked promising. This is a single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at a hefty ABV and aged at least nine years. The mash bill is 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Larrikin standard releases use the same mash bill and are also single barrels, while select barrels like this one are chosen by individual stores or groups. While the distillery is not officially disclosed, the mash bill and Kentucky origin suggest a strong possibility of sourcing from Barton. If so, this represents a rare chance to taste older Barton stock at barrel proof, something that is not always easy to come by in the sourced market.

    Larrikin, formerly known as Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company, went through a thoughtful rebrand to carve out a clearer identity. Founder Greg Keeley, originally from Australia and now based in Kentucky, is also a U.S. veteran, which adds a meaningful layer to the story. Thank you so much for your service.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/ESQ2gHgwsQo.

Age Statement: 9 years (Single barrel select).

ABV: 66.5% (Cask strength).

Mash bill: 75% corn, 21 rye, 4% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Kentucky.

Appearance: Deep amber.


On the nose:
    Dark oak and char lead the way, but they are balanced by a sweet, fruity backbone. Raspberry and blackberry jump forward, joined by hints of orchard apple and a touch of tart green apple. The rye brings an herbal freshness that keeps the oak from becoming overpowering. There is a toasted sweetness, charred cinnamon stick, and a richness that feels older than nine years. Despite the 66.5% ABV, there is no harshness. It smells bold, but composed.


Taste:
    Full-bodied and beautifully oily. Oak, caramel, and a rich vanilla note reminiscent of Madagascar vanilla bean paste coat the palate. Dark cherry moves in, edging toward a black forest cake character with a subtle chocolate undertone. The rye spice adds an herbal garden freshness, creating contrast against the dense oak. As it develops, toasted barrel sugars emerge and the vanilla turns almost custard-like, bringing to mind crème brûlée with berries on the side.


Finish:
    It opens dark and heavy, then gradually shifts lighter. The oak transitions from deep char to something more cedar-like and refined. A gentle pepper note lingers, followed by a simple, sweet cherry and spice combination. The oiliness persists throughout, giving it a texture that feels more like a ten or eleven-year bourbon than a nine-year.


Final Thoughts: 
    This bottle delivers exactly what I hope for when I pour a high-proof Kentucky bourbon. It’s bold without being aggressive, layered without being muddy, and powerful without losing balance. The oak is deep and mature, the dark fruit sweetness keeps it lively, and the rye spice threads everything together with just enough lift. Most impressive of all, it drinks older than its nine-year statement, both in structure and in texture.
    
    I genuinely think this earns its keep. A nine-year, barrel proof single barrel of this caliber is not easy to find, and this particular Handy Spot pick absolutely justifies the price of entry. While I always appreciate full distillery transparency, what’s in the glass matters most, and what’s in this glass is exceptional.


Rating: A+ (Perfection).

Cost: $109.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/ESQ2gHgwsQo.

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt.

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