| It’s spring racing season in Kentucky, which can only mean one thing: thundering hooves, fancy hats, mint juleps galore—and roses. Lots of roses. And with the Run for the Roses just around the bend, what better time for Larrikin Bourbon Co. to release its newest runner: Rosewater Bourbon. Larrikin’s Rosewater Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a blend of 5- and 6-year-old barrels, proofed with distillery-brewed rosewater. Yep, rosewater. Or as they call it in India, Gulab Jal—a fragrant, natural ingredient that’s been used in kitchens and celebrations for centuries. At Larrikin, we make our rosewater the old-fashioned way: by brewing real rose petals and spring water in a 10-gallon pot, using oversized, petal-stuffed teabags. Larrikin’s founder and distiller, Greg Keeley, developed a soft spot for rosewater during his many adventures through the Middle East, India, and South Asia. Greg’s a classic larrikin—never afraid to break the mold — and figured, “Everything’s better with bourbon, so why not rosewater?” Getting the balance just right took some experimenting (and mopping up). As Goldilocks would’ve put it, Larrikin Rosewater bourbon had to be not too sweet, not too bitter— but just right. The result? A rich, floral noted bourbon with earthy undertones that’s made for sipping straight or mixing into a cocktail. Fun fact: rosewater has been a fan favorite across the globe—from Indian rice pudding and sweet lassis, to Southeast Asia’s pink bandung drink, plus Turkish delight, nougat, and baklava in the Middle East. American bakers were heavy on rosewater before vanilla stole the show in the 1800s. And these days, top sporting events like the English Premier League and the Bahrain Grand Prix pop bottles of rosewater instead of bubbly on the podium. |
| Our Rosewater Bourbon has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. She’s a beauty – non-chill filtered, and bottled by hand. So whether you’re watching the race from a box seat or your backyard, toss on a hat, raise your glass, and and bring some roses to your bourbon game. Cheers, mates! |
