Larrikin Bourbon Company has officially made its way onto Indiana shelves in 2026, and not quietly. This single barrel, barrel proof High Wheat Rye selected by Handy Spot Liquor immediately stood out as something different. I had the chance to taste it on site alongside their bourbon pick, and it was one of those pours that makes you stop mid-sip and rethink what you thought you knew about mash bills.
Based in Kentucky, not far from Wild Turkey, Larrikin has been transparent about sourcing while also working toward its own distillation. This particular release is sourced from Florida, which makes the profile even more intriguing with its unconventional mash bill to boot.
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.
Age Statement: 9 years (Single barrel).
ABV: 64.17% (Cask strength).
Mash bill: 65% rye and 35% wheat.
Area of Distillation: Florida.
Appearance: Dried goldenrod.
On the nose:
The nose opens with a beautiful interplay between floral rye spice and earthy wheat character. Cinnamon stick, clove, and freshly grated nutmeg rise first, followed by demerara sugar and soft caramelized wood sugars. There’s a light milk chocolate powder note, subtle maple syrup drizzle, and a gentle cedar quality. Despite the high ABV, there’s no harshness. It drinks older than nine years, easily pushing into that 10-plus territory in perception.
Interestingly, it leans closer to the profile of a high-rye bourbon than what most people expect from a rye whiskey. The grains integrate seamlessly, creating a creamy, floral, spice-forward aroma that is both unique and inviting.
Taste:
The first sip is striking. Herbal rye spice leads, layered with earthy wheat tones that deepen the experience. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove carry through the mid-palate, joined by wood sugars and a soft cedar-sandalwood character. There is a slight bitterness on the back end, but it’s not off-putting. It feels almost aperitif-like, reminiscent of a Negroni its structured, balancing bitterness. As you return for subsequent sips, that bitterness softens, revealing more red apple sweetness and milk chocolate beneath the spice.
The texture is lighter than a traditional Kentucky bourbon, lacking that heavy oiliness, yet it clings to the palate well. White pepper and toasted cask notes linger through the finish, along with a simple red apple sweetness that helps balance the double punch of rye and wheat spice.
Finish:
Medium-long with white pepper, toasted oak, cedar, and a gentle apple sweetness. The bitterness fades with time, allowing the sweeter wood sugars and subtle maple tones to close things out gracefully.
Final Thoughts:
Larrikin took a bold approach here. A 65/35 rye-to-wheat mash bill, 9 years in the barrel, bottled at cask strength, and selected as a single barrel pick. On paper, it checks every enthusiast box. In the glass, it delivers a truly unique experience. It may not be for everyone, especially those expecting a traditional rye profile, but for whiskey enthusiasts chasing something different, this is exactly the kind of bottle worth exploring. I would recommend tasting before committing to a full bottle, simply because of how unconventional it is.
Handyspot selected an excellent barrel. This is a confident, complex, and distinctive pour.
Rating: A (Excellent).
Cost: $129.99 for 750ml.
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