Greg Keeley
“From Battlefield to Bourbon Barrel”
Born in Australia, Greg Keeley spent his early life half a world away from Kentucky's bourbon country. But destiny often takes unexpected turns, and after serving as a Lieutenant Commander in both the Australian and United States navies, Keeley found himself forging a new path far from military command centers: the rolling hills of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. There, his journey from battlefield to bourbon barrel would begin.
Keeley’s military career was anything but ordinary. A combat-disabled veteran, he saw action in both Iraq and Afghanistan, serving alongside U.S. and allied forces. His leadership skills extended beyond combat; he later worked as a strategic adviser to members of the U.S. House of Representatives, helping shape national defense policy. But after years in high-stakes environments, Keeley sought something different—something grounded, creative, and personal. That something turned out to be whiskey.
In January 2023, Greg Keeley founded Larrikin Distillery. The name "Larrikin" itself holds significance: in Australian culture, a larrikin is a rebellious but good-natured rule-breaker. That spirit infuses Keeley’s approach to bourbon-making—respect for tradition combined with bold innovation.
At Larrikin Distillery, Greg Keeley aimed to create more than just spirits; he wanted to craft a veteran-owned, family-feel brand that welcomed visitors like old friends. The distillery’s tasting room in Lawrenceburg offers not just cocktails and neat pours, but a walk-in cigar humidor—the only one on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Here, bourbon lovers sip single-barrel bourbons and smoked Old Fashioneds while pairing them with hand-selected cigars. Often, Keeley himself greets visitors, shares stories from his military days, and even signs bottles.
Keeley’s leadership at Larrikin quickly gained national attention. In 2025, the distillery’s products swept multiple awards at the ASCOT Awards, earning Double Platinum medals for its Single Barrel Bourbon and Rosewater Bourbon, along with gold medals for its Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon and 10-Year Cognac-Finished Rye. Critics praised Larrikin’s ability to combine old-world craftsmanship with innovative expressions, like its Maple Bourbon Cream and Rosewater Bourbon.
Beyond awards, Keeley remains passionate about supporting the veteran community. He often emphasizes that Larrikin is more than a distillery—it’s a symbol of new beginnings for those who have served. Greg is also passionate about his small family. He is married to his wife Katie Keeley, and they live together on their farm in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, alongside their two rescue dogs . Katie isn’t just his life partner; she’s also deeply involved in the distillery’s operations. A Navy reservist and former nurse, she helps shape the brand alongside Greg, both personally and professionally .
Today, as owners and operators of one of Kentucky’s fastest-rising craft distilleries, The Keeleys continue to pour their energy into every bottle of bourbon. Greg Keeley’s journey—from commanding naval units in war zones to leading a distillery in bourbon country—might seem unconventional. But in many ways, it embodies the spirit of both a “larrikin” and an American dream: bold, unconventional, and unapologetically authentic.
Contributed by: Tracy McLemore, Fairview, Tennessee
Sources:
Larrikin Bourbon Company official website: larrikinbourbon.com
Rich Man Magazine, “Kentucky Bourbon with Aussie Pluck”, June 2025
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Website, www.kybourbontrail.com
