Emma Jones
Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch A123) Review
Nose
Nutmeg | Baked bread | Dull cinnamon spice | Light oak | Dry baking chocolate | Hints of summer fruit sweetness | Dab of ethanol | Clear wheat grain influence
Palate
Baked bread | Light cola | Baking spices | Chocolate fudge | Nutmeg | Caramel & butterscotch swirl | Syrup | A nice blend of flavors
Finish
Big oak | Bold heat | Caramel sweetness | Short
Overall
The first batch of 2023, Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A123 falls short of the bar set by Batch C922, but lays the groundwork for a potentially monster year for the brand.
Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon has been exciting barrel proof bourbon fans, particularly wheated barrel proof bourbon fans, for a number of years now. The brand always felt like it was waiting to break through, and with its third and final release of 2022, Batch C922 knocked it out of the park, and ultimately became our #1 Whiskey of 2022. Needless to say the expectations are high for its follow-up.
Getting straight to the point, Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A123 is a good bourbon that just doesn’t live up to the road paved by its most recent predecessor. The wheat has a strong influence on the sip, and makes that known starting with aromas of baking scents with a hint of sweetness. Ethanol is present but never distracting, delivering a clear reminder of the bourbon’s high proof. The midpoint of the sip brings a unique blend of flavors with light cola, baked bread, and syrup forming a grouping that shouldn’t work, but does, and does quite well. The great build-up provided by the palate is quashed by a finish that while perfectly acceptable, is more one dimensional and short. It unfortunately doesn’t reach the height of Batch C922, but if the finish can get honed in on the future releases in 2023, Larceny is in for another monster year.
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Heaven Hill
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Release Date: January 2023
Proof: 125.8
Age: 6-8 Years
Mashbill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Color: Bright Copper
MSRP: $60 (2023)
Had untapped potential and never swung for the fences quite as hard as I thought they could. That changed with batch C922 in 2022 – a release that saw a big leap forward in flavor.
This Batch A123 of Larceny Barrel Proof may not reach the heights of C922, it’s still a solid and enjoyable release. The nose has a nice balance of spices and fruit sweetness, with a touch of wheat grain shining through. On the palate, there is a pleasant blend of baking spices, fudge, and syrup flavors. The finish is bold with big oak and caramel sweetness, albeit a bit short. Overall, while not the best of the Larceny Barrel Proof releases, Batch A123 sets a solid foundation for the brand’s upcoming releases.
Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A123 may not be the standout release of the series, but it still showcases the brand’s potential with its balanced nose, enjoyable palate, and bold finish. Fans of wheated barrel proof bourbon won’t be disappointed, and it sets the stage for what could be an even bigger and better year for the brand.
Was making more effort than other Heaven Hill bourbon brands, particularly Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Evan Williams Barrel Proof. Think of it like you’re rooting for the underdog, but in this case the underdog shows some of the same talent that made more top ranked folks successful.
Overall, Batch A123 offers a solid range of flavors, with notable notes of nutmeg, baked bread, chocolate, and caramel. However, it falls short in comparison to the previous Batch C922. But, as the first batch of the year, it leaves room for anticipation of even better batches to come in the future. Larceny Barrel Proof remains a must-try for fans of wheated barrel proof bourbons, and Batch A123 is a good addition to the lineup.
“I love how this review breaks down the different aspects of the Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch A123) and gives specific flavor notes. It’s helpful for whiskey enthusiasts and makes me excited to try it myself.”
Was trying to threading the needle between delivering a bold whiskey that stood up to its proof point, but also retained some type of gentle edge.
The first batch of 2023, Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A123, does not quite spot on that needle. It isn’t right at the top end,but it sits relatively well on the second tier of what’s been released to date. The anise note doesn’t quite sync with the rest of the components on the various sensory, but that’s not enough to knock it since it rounds its shoulders rather respectful.
All told, if there was some more depth and roundness to the spices, as well as a longer finish that could balance some of the tannins, Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A123 would be a distinct cut above. While it’s not there yet, Batch A123 shows the potential for the brand to eventually reach those heights. Definitely worth a try for wheated barrel proof bourbon lovers, but those expecting something on par with the best of the best Larceny batches may be slightly disappointed. Cheers!
This review of Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch A123) offers detailed and honest tasting notes on the nose, palate, and finish of the whiskey. The reviewer acknowledges that while this batch may not be as exceptional as others from the brand, it still shows potential and is definitely worth a try for fans of wheated barrel proof bourbon. Overall, a helpful and informative review for those interested in trying this particular batch.