Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A121

Drinking it neat after a neck pour. I usually don't care for Larceny. The only barrel proof version I've tried was A120, and it was decent. At times, the cinnamon and spice are just too prominent for my liking, which I find unpleasant. However, I spotted this at its suggested retail price, and it's tough to pass up. Similar to ECBP last year, every new batch offers potential for something special. The aroma aligns with Larceny's typical profile. It features candied walnuts coated in sugar and cinnamon. There's a pleasant, mellow wheat presence, again reminiscent of wheat toast with sugar and cinnamon. It's also dusted with powdered sugar. This nose also possesses a nice fruitiness, a mix of berries. It honestly sounds like a fantastic indulgent meal... Compared to A120's nose, this is significantly better. It's definitely moving in the right direction. It starts very smooth and mellow on the palate. Once again, sugar and cinnamon dominate the taste. A lovely, soft vanilla emerges and develops into a pleasant butterscotch before shifting strongly towards cinnamon and spice. It's quite fiery, with a peppery quality mixed with a burst of cinnamon. It's an intense spice experience. But you know what... it improves with each following sip. The spice becomes less intense, and the sweetness starts to shine through. The finish evolves into something like maple syrup. Ah, I've got it. If you've had chicken and waffles, imagine them covered in hot sauce and maple syrup. The finish evokes that sensation for me. That's an unusual tasting note. I've never identified that before. So, I'm eager to hear others' opinions on this particular batch. I suspect the spice might deter some if they don't take the time to adjust to the heat and discover the underlying sweetness. Nevertheless, I enjoy it considerably. It's nowhere near the amazing level of ECBP, but purchased at its retail price, this is a fantastic bottle for sipping during the colder months.

Consumed neat, straight from the bottle. This marks my initial experience with a Larceny Bottled Proof. I've tried their standard offerings, which were quite unremarkable, leading me to doubt if the higher proof would elevate it. I have no regrets about purchasing this. For those who collect, it's frustrating how bottles like this are now considered limited. I enjoy the pursuit as much as anyone, but the value of finding such a bottle seems questionable. It's a good pour, but it shouldn't be more difficult to locate than ECBP. The aroma is a delightful blend of peanut butter and caramel apple, fading into notes of corn syrup or cotton candy. A closer examination reveals hints of strawberry shortcake or even an apple toaster strudel. The mouthfeel is relatively light for a Bottled Proof; at around 115 proof, this is where I detect those delightful milk chocolate notes. More corn is present, but it presents as buttery popcorn. There's also a subtle citrus note continuing from the apple aroma, with a balanced allspice level. The finish consists of char and natural scents. It's not excessively long, but it is pleasant. I find this to be a solid pour, though it doesn't reach the heights of Bottled Proofs I've rated 4 or higher. It's a bit disappointing given the buzz around this bottle; I'll need to revisit it in a few weeks to see if my opinion changes. Cheers!

Okay, it's cold outside... time to dig into some older bottles and try to get a few reviews done before 2022 ends. Given I have five of these LBP bottles on hand and haven't reviewed any, let's get started. A121... which I bought somewhat hesitantly, as I haven't been a big fan of the standard Larceny, was a pleasant surprise. The nose benefits from some time in the glass, and water really helps, as the ethanol is quite potent, even for the stated proof. With some patience and a bit of water, bold fruit notes (orange seems most prominent to me), spice, and significant oak emerge. The flavor is somewhat subdued initially, with a lot of oak and an almost sawdust-like quality. There's a cereal/oatmeal sensation, but the water also proved very beneficial here. Orange and vanilla appear quickly after a few drops, though the wood remains present. More caramel starts to surface as well. Having enjoyed three of the five bottles, I can say this is my least preferred so far, but it was still good enough that I would buy future versions if I found them at the suggested retail price. A great value bottle (assuming no price gouging)... a solid pour for those chilly early winter evenings!

Larceny Barrel Proof Proof - 114.8 / 57.4% Color - Light Gold Nose - Wood, spice, cherry, a touch of nut Flavors - Wood, peanut brittle, honey, spice, the end brings caramel and heat Sweetness - 3 / 10 For sure a more natural bourbon, not as sweet as I like. Dryness - 2 / 10 It has a really rich, oily mouthfeel. Burn - 6 / 10 I wouldn't call it strong, but it's certainly warm. A pleasant, consistent warm embrace. Rating - 6.75 / 10 A dependable barrel proof option. I wouldn't say it's essential, but it's a good drink and one I'd be happy to have often given its cost. A great barrel proof. I'm discovering I really like higher proof drinks. This is a great sipper for $49 a bottle and a good choice for anyone wanting higher proof without too much heat or alcohol. I'd certainly suggest this, especially if you prefer a more natural tasting bourbon.

Nose: I don’t normally say this, but avoid inhaling too deeply, or you risk irritating your nasal passages. The aroma is pleasant, but a touch too aggressive to be truly enjoyable. Palate: Lacking the depth I anticipated given the 115 proof. The overall taste is smoother than expected, featuring notes of caramel, spice, and other delightful elements. If you appreciate a spirited drink, this one is for you. Finish: A satisfying warmth is present, but the spice level is just right, offering a gentle cinnamon sensation. In the future, I’ll experiment with a drop of water to see what other flavors emerge and compare it to the Elijah Craig barrel proof. I’m not typically fond of Larceny straight, though I do enjoy it with a Coke. I’m not ready to go there yet, but it could be quite good, though I’d need another bottle to make that assessment.

I've had this bottle for a year and a half, forgotten in my unopened collection. Upon finally opening it, I was pleasantly surprised. The nose offers notes of french toast, apple butter, nutmeg, and a touch of clove, along with a noticeable alcohol presence. The palate echoes the nose and is quite sweet, with flavors of apples, allspice, powdered sugar, cookie dough, and possibly almond paste. The finish is characterized by strong, lingering spice. Adding ice mellows the spices and allows the fruit flavors to come forward. It's a very good rendition, surpassing most others.