Larrikin Bourbon Co. was a comparatively unknown NDP to most whiskey fanatics till the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Competition, at which level a rebranding was made public. Earlier than asserting the rebranding, Larrikin was based because the Lawrenceburg Bourbon Firm. Whereas the power is positioned in Lawrenceberg, Kentucky, the identify drew some criticism as many customers felt the identify insinuated some sort of direct reference to distilleries calling Lawrenceberg house, whether or not or not it’s MGP, 4 Roses, or Wild Turkey. Including to the confusion, popping out of the gate, Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co. didn’t supply bourbon from any Lawrenceburg distilleries, however quite from Inexperienced River Distilling in Owensboro (in addition to different distilleries). Maybe together with the criticism and eager to pay homage to his Australian heritage, founder Greg Keeley determined to rebrand as Larrikin Bourbon Firm. Larrikin is an Australian time period for a maverick with obvious disregard for conference — and Keeley sees himself as such.
Larrikin Bourbon Co. made a public spectacle with the precise announcement of the rebranding at KBF, however the greatest splash got here as the gang found Larrikin Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon 8 Years Outdated. Buzz surrounding the bottled in bond providing from the relative newcomer shortly unfold all through the pageant and ultimately into the channels of social media. Now, Larrikin Decade 100% Rye Cognac Cask is the most recent launch from the model that appears to shook issues up in Bardstown.
For this launch, Larrikin obtained 10 barrels of 100% rye whiskey distilled in Alberta, Canada that reportedly have been initially bought by a questionable Russian proprietor through the onset of the struggle in Ukraine. With 10 years of age, Australian and United States Navy veteran Greg Keeley opted to complete a few of the whiskey in a 105 gallon Cognac cask and bottle it at 122.4 proof. Does this latest rye launch maintain with the hype Larrikin generated with the bottled in bond bourbon in 2024? Let’s have a crack and see!
Main the best way on the nostril, wealthy honey is the primary be aware to seem, lingering a bit earlier than fleeting hints of oregano add complexity. With time, juicy orange marmalade develops earlier than sultanas make a daring assertion on the backend. Whereas the bouquet skews candy, the palate takes a direct detour with a strong hit of pine needles. With the pine making a immediate impression, the crispness begins to fade to candy honey, complemented by spicy cloves. The brightness quickly returns with notes of full of life lemon zest and a mouthfeel that smacks of citrus oil. The vibrancy discovered on the preliminary palate subsides because the end ushers in notes of vanilla pudding, shortly balanced with the depth of e-book leather-based and black pepper. The tannins and spice quickly go as sultanas linger on endlessly after the ultimate sip.
Larrikin Decade Rye Cognac Cask presents a wildly advanced and evolving expertise from begin to end. Each section of the pour presents one thing sudden and extremely welcome, although the Cognac affect is obvious on the nostril and end, however not a lot on the preliminary palate. Larrikin sourced glorious barrels of Canadian rye and did them justice with the ending course of. Larrikin Bourbon Co. succeeded in following up the hype generated by a Kentucky bourbon in visiting our neighbors to the north. Nevertheless, regardless of a wonderful rye whiskey, the $110 value continues to be too excessive. There’s loads of exceptionally good rye popping out of Alberta with increased age statements and smaller value tags. I totally loved the whiskey, however when speaking in regards to the ratio of high quality to cost given what else is accessible on the sourced market, the fee At $80, this is able to be a slam dunk buy. If the value stays at $110, I must assume awfully onerous about it.
122.4 proof.
B+ / $110 / larrikinbourbon.com
Larrikin Decade Rye Cognac Cask
$110
