This might be the most unique bourbon story we’ve ever shared. Recorded at Larrikin Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, we sit down with Australian founder Greg Keeley to taste and discuss Larrikin Rosewater Bourbon.

Instead of using spring water, this bourbon is proofed with rosewater, inspired by Greg’s time in the Middle East and the cultural tradition of rose tea. The innovation took more than a year to be approved by the TTB, but it’s now officially recognised as Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — the first of its kind.

We talk about the process of creating Rosewater Bourbon, the ups and downs of starting a craft distillery in Kentucky, and Greg’s journey from the Royal Australian Navy to running a distillery just down the road from Wild Turkey.

If you love bourbon innovation, heritage, and Australian connections to Kentucky whiskey, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

00:00:13 – Kicking off at Larrikin Distillery
00:02:19 – Meeting Greg: an Australian making bourbon in Kentucky
00:04:19 – How Rosewater Bourbon was created & approved by the TTB
00:06:21 – Craft distilling challenges in Kentucky & floral tasting notes
00:08:29 – Balancing fresh vs dried rose petals (trial & error process)
00:09:33 – Keeping bourbon true: flavour vs gimmicks
00:10:40 – From the Navy to Kentucky: Greg’s personal journey