Our story

The Barrel Whisperer

Larry Rice is a nationally recognized whiskey expert, acclaimed hospitality entrepreneur, and the visionary founder behind Old Treasure. Over the past two decades, Larry has built an extraordinary career at the intersection of spirits, culture, and connection. Larry’s journey began behind some of Louisville’s busiest bars. In 2011 he opened The Silver Dollar: a honky-tonk inspired whiskey haven that quickly became a national destination. In 2017, he followed with The Pearl, a neighborhood gem renowned for its curated spirits program and laid-back charm.

Maybe you’ve sat at one of his Louisville bars, swapped stories over a rare pour, or sought his expert guidance on the best bottles to track down. His legendary palate, deep knowledge, and passion for whiskey aren’t just a business, they were his way of connecting with a community of seekers, collectors, and storytellers who share the same relentless pursuit of the best.

Bourbon Questions with Larry

What do people misunderstand most about how bourbon flavor is actually created?

"I don't know that it's a misunderstanding but I find it interesting that two barrels from the same cooperage can be filled at the same distillery. With the same distillate. Stored side by side in the same rick house, can have remarkably different flavor profiles. Showcasing how organic the maturation process is."

Which trends in American whiskey excite you. Which ones concern you?

"I like the popularity of barrel proof, single barrel, non chill filtered and ultra small batch. I think they show the Bourbon in its purest state.  Being ultra aged concerns me.I think when it comes to bourbon that crosses the 15 year mark you're lucky if it's still aging well.  It happens, I've had some really great pours in the 20 plus range. But it's rare. Most pours in that range lose nuance to the woodier aspects.  The sweet spot is probably 8 to 12 years old."

Talk about a bottle or distillery that fundamentally changed the way you think about bourbon?

"1968 Old Grand Bottled in Bond. It sent me on a vintage bourbon journey that bordered on obsession. This was before they were cost-prohibited. I was able to buy bourbons from every decade and compare them to the most recent and to the previous decade.Some of the best pours I’ve had have been bottom shelf’ers from the 70’s and 80’s ranging from four to eight years old. Hell some of the 86 proofers from back then drank like gems."

What do you think separates a good bourbon from a truly great bourbon?

"It's subtle. It's a few flavor notes that stand out but seamlessly integrate into the DNA of an established flavor profile.It's interesting but familiar. It's complex but flows . No hard edges or flavours that derail or dominate the more nuanced experience.  You don't jump from one flavor to the other, or get jolted into a single note. They're complimentary and evolving. The nose matches the palate and the finish makes it hard not to reach for another pour."

Our Mission

Old Treasure is a celebration of connection, curiosity, and great whiskey. It’s built on a lifetime of experience, a deep well of knowledge, and a simple belief: the only thing better than drinking great whiskey is sharing it. Sourced from exclusive private barrels, contract distillations, and long-forgotten casks, each small-batch release is a testament to the friendships, knowledge, and rare opportunities that only come from years in the business. These aren’t just whiskies to collect, they’re whiskies to experience together. To be poured among friends, debated over, dissected, and most importantly, enjoyed.

Friends

THE ORIGIN STORY

Despite a legendary career behind the bar, some of Larry’s greatest moments have occurred in his own back yard. Over the years, he’s opened his home to friends, fellow collectors, and curious drinkers to pour rare bottles discovered on dusty hunts, introduce new favorites, and turn simple gatherings into unforgettable moments. It’s here that the spirit of sharing, and the soul of his next venture, truly came to life.

In 2020, as the hospitality industry faced unprecedented challenges, Larry pivoted to share his private barrel selections through intimate tastings and direct sales. The response was overwhelming. What began as a passion project quickly turned into a movement, and the natural next step was to build a brand around it. With this realization, Old Treasure was born.

Secure your treasure

Get your bottle of old at our online store. Act fast as these small batches get bought up quick.