Every September is recognized as Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky and nationwide. Established by Congress in 2007, the month recognizes bourbon’s rich history and craftsmanship.
Larrikin Bourbon in Lawrenceburg is getting ready to upgrade its production capabilities; from starting on a 50 gallon still to soon a 500 gallon still. Distiller and owner Greg Keeley said they’re retrofitting their warehouse now.
“We’ve been very fortunate that people have really embraced the Larrikin brand and now our Fat Wombat gin and vodka,” Keeley said.
It all started four years ago; originally called Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company, but since adopted a kangaroo logo and the name Larrikin. Keeley said the name gives the brand more personality and connects to his Australian roots.
“Larrikin is an Australian slang term dating back to the 1800s, and it means somebody who really doesn’t follow the rules and then asks for forgiveness with a smile on their face,” Keeley said. “The closest thing in the U.S. would be a maverick.”
Keeley, a native Australian, served in the Royal Australian Navy and, once he moved to America, the United States Navy. He and his wife settled in Kentucky, and he got into distilling after growing up in a family who made wine in Australia.
“It’s just such a beautiful place, and then we worked out once you get to Kentucky there’s really two things to do; one is horses and one is bourbon and I’m scared of horses so bourbon won out,” Keeley said.
Each year, the United States Congress introduces a resolution proclaiming September as Bourbon Heritage Month. It was originally proclaimed by former U.S. Senator from Kentucky, Jim Bunning, in 2007. In Lexington, former state senator Damon Thayer is keeping the story of Kentucky’s U.S. Senators alive through the spirit with Kentucky Senator Bourbon.
“Bourbon lovers like it when the bottle tells a story,” Thayer said.
Thayer started the company with his business-partner, Andre Regard, in 2018. They released their first bottle in 2021, with each named after one of Kentucky’s 66 U.S. Senators (and counting). Thayer said what started as a hobby between two friends continues to expand nationwide, including a double gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits competition.
“We’ve got about 700 to 750 barrels aging which doesn’t sound like a lot when you think of the big guys like Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam but if you think about two guys who had an idea and a dream, we’re pretty proud of where we’re going,” Thayer said.
Keeley too sees his business grow, now available in 12 states and needing more staff for its growing tourism experience. Many of the staff at the Lawrenceburg distillery are veterans or family members of an active-military member.
“That’s really important to us is that we give back to the veteran community, who have given so much for the country,” Keeley said.
Kentucky’s General Assembly also annually designates September as Bourbon Heritage Month with events celebrating bourbon at distilleries all month long.