Larrikin Bourbon Company continues to be one of those names I’ve been paying close attention to in 2026, especially as they’ve finally started landing more consistently in Indiana. This release immediately stands out not just because it’s a single barrel pick, but because it’s also the first nationwide release of their rosewater bourbon at a higher proof.
This particular barrel was selected by Handy Spot Liquor, and it pushes things in a direction you don’t typically see in American bourbon, floral augmentation via in-house distilled rosewater layered onto a 9-year Kentucky straight bourbon base. What makes this release interesting is how it’s built: sourced 9-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon that is then proofed with Larrikin's own distilled rosewater.
Rosewater is one of those ingredients that can go wrong fast. It’s extremely potent, and even a slight overuse can turn a whiskey into something perfumed and unbalanced. Here, though, it’s being used as a structural accent rather than a dominant flavor. Compared to Larrikin standard releases (which generally land around younger blends and lower proof points), this single barrel approach gives more depth, more oak presence, and a much more focused delivery of flavor layers.
There’s also a bit of excitement in the fact that this is the first nationwide rollout of this style, meaning it’s very much a “first step” bottle for where they might take this concept next.
Age Statement: 9 years (Single barrel).
ABV: 56.1%.
Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Kentucky.
Appearance:
On the nose:
The bourbon backbone remains front and center with notes of charred oak, vanilla bean, caramel, burnt sugar, and toasted staves. Layered over those traditional bourbon notes is a surprisingly elegant floral component. Fresh rose petals, hibiscus, and floral honey emerge from the glass without becoming perfumed or overpowering.
There is a touch of herbal rye spice lingering in the background, while the elevated proof provides just enough warmth to remind you this isn't your standard 86-proof sipper. The impressive part is how naturally the rosewater integrates into the bourbon. Rather than dominating the profile, it elevates the sweeter vanilla and caramel notes while adding a distinctive floral complexity.
Taste:
The first sip is unlike anything I've experienced in bourbon. A fresh raspberry-filled pastry note immediately jumps forward, reminiscent of a homemade raspberry donut. The texture is rich, coating the palate with a creamy mouthfeel that carries the flavors across every corner of the mouth.
Traditional bourbon notes remain present with oak, caramel, vanilla cream, brown sugar, and light char, but the rosewater transforms those familiar flavors into something entirely unique. The floral elements contribute subtle raspberry and hibiscus characteristics while allowing the bourbon's core identity to remain intact. A touch of rye spice and herbal character helps balance the sweeter profile.
Finish:
The finish gradually fades with raspberry candy sweetness, gentle oak spice, and sweet corn notes. Floral accents linger alongside vanilla cream and toasted brown sugar before slowly disappearing.
The finish is lengthy, enjoyable, and remarkably refreshing for a whiskey bottled above 110 proof.
Final Thoughts: This is one of the most unique bourbons I've tasted this year. Larrikin deserves significant credit for both transparency and execution. The company clearly explains the sourcing, age statement, proof, and production process while delivering a product that actually lives up to its ambitious concept.
The rosewater never feels gimmicky. Instead, it enhances the bourbon in ways that create entirely new flavor experiences without sacrificing the whiskey's identity.
At $120, it's certainly a premium-priced bottle, and if I were splitting hairs I'd love to see it closer to the $110 mark. Still, considering the nine-year age statement, single barrel status, higher proof, and uniqueness of the product, there's a strong value proposition for enthusiasts seeking something truly different. This feels like summertime in a glass—sweet, floral, flavorful, and approachable while still delivering enough proof to satisfy experienced bourbon drinkers.
Rating: -A (Amazing)
Cost: $119.99 for 750ml.
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