Larrikin Bourbon has released its third annual "Pour for the Roses – 2026 Running," a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey honoring the Kentucky Derby. The 9-year-old, single barrel expression is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) and is non-chill filtered.
The bourbon’s mash bill is 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. The distillery describes it as a classic Kentucky foundation with enough rye to carry spice and structure through the finish.
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"We worked through a full field to find this barrel," said Greg Keeley, distiller at Larrikin Bourbon. "It’s got maturity, good balance, and a bit of spice down the stretch. Easy to back on race day."
Each bottle is hand-signed by Keeley. The packaging includes a burlap sack designed to evoke a vintage thoroughbred feed bag.
The label features Larrikin’s signature boxing kangaroo encircled by red roses, a nod to the garland draped over the Kentucky Derby winner. The artwork draws inspiration from the Australian Brushmen of the Bush, a group of painters from Broken Hill, Australia, whose work gained international recognition in the mid-20th century.
Artists such as Eric Minchin and John Pickup became known for their expressive use of color, confident brushwork, and a distinctly Australian sense of place. Their style captured the movement, light, and character of the outback with an immediacy that set them apart from tradition.
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"Pour for the Roses – 2026 Running" is available in Kentucky only. Limited distribution runs through Larrikin Distillery, online, and a few key retailers.
Larrikin Bourbon is a veteran-owned and veteran-distilled operation based in Lawrenceburg, Anderson County, Kentucky. The distillery was founded by Greg and Katie Keeley, both U.S. Navy veterans. It holds the distinction of being the 56th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
The Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, is one of the most iconic events in American sports and has long been intertwined with bourbon culture. Limited-edition Derby releases have become a staple category for Kentucky distillers, with brands frequently offering commemorative bottlings timed to coincide with the first Saturday in May. The convergence of bourbon heritage and horse racing tradition continues to drive collector interest and retail demand across the state.
