Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch B524

One of the least intense noses I've encountered for a LBP, yet possibly one of the best; dusty peanut shell, hard caramel candy, musty rickhouse, barrel char, mellow vanilla, and oak furniture. The ethanol is at its lowest ever for this expression, so low it's barely detectable. The palate presents candied ginger, hazelnut, nutmeg, caramel apple, grilled buttered corn, cocoa powder, and chili pepper. It's spicy without being overly hot. The flavors are rich and densely layered. A very long finish brings some fiery warmth with black pepper, maraschino cherry, rich oak, cinnamon bear candy, leather, and tobacco. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and chewy. This is the one we've been anticipating. The best in the series I've tried. At $79.99, it's remarkably good for the price and the first LBP that rivals Elijah Craig Barrel Proof releases. I hope future releases meet this high standard. Purchase it without hesitation.

Pleasing medium amber color, with not overly prominent legs swirling in the glass. The nose is strongly of apple butter with a hint of barnyard hay, perhaps some cocoa. The palate still offers apple butter with more prominent cocoa, and the proof brings spicy pepper to the tongue. The finish lingers pleasantly, softer than the initial pepper might suggest, with more of the apple butter's sweetness and autumnal spice. This is nice but quite standard. Adding ice cuts the initial pepper, allowing the sweet apple to stand out more, but it removes the finish; this is neither good nor bad, just different. I unintentionally purchased another bottle. I generally make an effort not to buy more than one from a series. While my initial impression remains, I detect a distinct aroma of damp clay. Overall, it's straightforward, but it executes its characteristics well.

I've been a supporter of Larceny small batch releases since 2022. I've sampled some of the sweeter and spicier batches from A through C. I favored the B releases as they were more balanced, with A batches leaning spicier and C batches missing the mark. Prior to this release, B523 was my preferred batch, and B524 surpasses it, reaching a new level and establishing itself as my favorite bourbon bottle. B524 achieves a perfect balance between sweet heat and spice. It's a complex, lingering drink with a high ABV that is exceptionally smooth. This combination is rare, but this batch achieves it flawlessly. If you can locate a bottle, get it.

Glassware: Glencairn, allowed to rest for 15 minutes. Appearance: Medium amber hue. Nose: Nutty characteristics alongside caramel and vanilla. Taste: Features cinnamon and baking spices. Finish: Exceptionally warm and enduring. It truly lingers. With a splash: The nutty notes detected on the nose reappear, accompanied by a subtle dry oakiness. General Impression: Rated 9.5/10 - Among the finest Larceny BP batches encountered. It boasts a prolonged finish and abundant character. This would perform admirably with ice or in a mixed drink, and even at its suggested retail price, it represents excellent value.

Aroma is sweet caramel subtle cherry. Taste: Stonefruit, plum, caramel, chocolate, spice. Great viscosity and proof, drinks hot if taste isnt prepped. Finish is thick and long with chocolate. Bottle really opened up after 1/4 of bottle was gone.

Can't recall much about another barrel proof I tried, but this one seems sweeter. Excellent mouthfeel, not too harsh. And considering I can now find these locally for $69, it's an easy decision.