Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C922

The burden of anticipation: I frequently admit that batch differences are real, yet I'd also appreciate some acknowledgement that they don't create as substantial a variation as some claim. The distillers employ the same mash bill, correct? Typically, they age their barrels in comparable environments, perhaps different levels of the Rickhouse, maybe warmer or cooler seasons, different barrels but the same kind of wood? Folks discuss superior and inferior expressions of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and they have a point, variation exists. B523 appears to be rated higher here than A123, but if you ask my view, I favored A123, though it wasn't by a significant margin. Frankly, if you blind-tested them and placed them before me, I might discern they are distinct spirits, but I can't guarantee I'll always select A123 over B523. Is the inconsistency in me? Or is it reality? I'd like to conduct a blind taste test between batches with those asserting, for instance, that Larceny C923 surpasses B522. Context and timing are also crucial for tasting. Just as an illustration, last Sunday, a family member and I sampled Laphroaig Lore and then Ardbeg BizarreBQ sequentially. When I tasted the Ardbeg, I perceived the palate as quite similar to Lore in many aspects, but then near the end of the finish, there was a SUDDEN burst of chocolate salted caramel that astounded me! Last night, I poured a sample of the Ardbeg again, wanting to relive that experience, and it was absent. The finish tasted charred, much like the Lagavulin Offerman 11 Charred Cask, and it was a pleasant taste, but the dark chocolate salted caramel was gone? So, yes, I was thrilled today when my online order of Larceny C922 arrived, and it was indeed C922. You see, in our state liquor stores, one can order Larceny online, but not a specific batch. You receive what's available. Consequently, I possess several bottles of A122 and B522, one bottle of C921, and now two bottles of C922, and they are all enjoyable. I prefer A122 over B522, although the collective score here also contradicts that, suggesting B522 is superior to A122. Now, C922 was significant because it received Whisky of the Year last year from Breaking Bourbon, and it garners considerable online praise. However, Drinkhacker awarded it a B+ while giving other iterations of LCBP an A or an A-. We all understand that taste is subjective, and we're aware that some individuals possess more refined senses of taste and smell than others, just as some have superior hearing or vision. Regardless, I was eager to unseal Breaking Bourbon’s 2022 Whisky of the Year, and you know its flavor profile? It tasted like a Larceny Barrel Proof. That is to say, it's a significantly above-average wheated barrel-proof bourbon that represents excellent value at $65, its current price after increasing from $50 when it was an incredible bargain. The aroma reminds me of, guess what? Other Larceny Barrel Proof batches, meaning there's oak, vanilla, tobacco, caramel, and cherries. The palate is delightful, similar to other Larceny Barrel Proof batches, featuring dark chocolate, cocoa powder, vanilla, toffee, and black cherries, with a finish that evokes, guess what? Larceny Barrel Proof. Long, spicy, dark fruit, chocolate. In my assessment of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523, I noted my inability to generate enthusiasm for reviewing yet another variation after having evaluated others. Even when tasting them side-by-side, there might be minor distinctions, but they aren't pronounced enough for me to express great excitement and feel compelled to announce, 'Remarkable, they've finally achieved it.' If you encounter a bottle of Larceny Barrel Proof and have enjoyed other Barrel Proof or Cask Strength Wheated Bourbons, and it's priced reasonably, say $65 or perhaps $70, then by all means, purchase it! If it costs more, I would exercise caution, as superior options exist when the price escalates. But if you're preoccupied with minute batch differences, well, perhaps you belong to the category of whisky connoisseurs who can truly discern distinctions and found a particular vegetal note in one batch off-putting, or maybe you're simply swayed by the notion that such significant quality disparities exist. However, to be candid, the quality is remarkably consistent across the board. I'm pleased with this purchase and eager to sample it with the Breaking Bourbon notes for comparison, to see if my experience aligns with theirs. Yet, if I had received a different batch, it wouldn't have made much difference to me. Debating subtle batch variations seems more like a marketing tactic than anything substantive. Then again, perhaps I'm simply becoming a jaded, weary old man. On the other hand, I believe my spouse would confirm there are no 'maybes' about it. This remains excellent. For most spirits of this caliber, batch variation translates to the difference between a 4.0 and a 4.5 rating. I'd place this somewhere in the middle of those scores, but it depends on my mood at the time, the specific day.

Rating: 17/23 I have not been impressed by any Larceny products. Their barrel proof versions have seemed like harsh, underdeveloped inferior spirits when compared to the similarly priced Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. The Elijah Craig is aged 12 years, while these are aged 6 to 8, so this conclusion is not entirely unexpected. That said, this is meant to be an outstanding release from this line, so I am hopeful this is a truly good drink. Nose: Caramel, malt, vanilla, mint, ethanol. It is somewhat decadent, but also exhibits a significant amount of ethanol. Some sweet corn is also present. This is not very complex, but it is enjoyable with decent balance. However, ethanol is also holding it back. Palate: Rich, full, sweet. Caramel, malt, nuttiness, harsh ethanol mixed with black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and general spiciness. There is a pleasant flavor present, but I am also detecting harsh alcohol. This does not taste particularly old, but it does taste decadent. Decadent and underdeveloped. Well, partly developed. Finish: That alcohol burn certainly lingers. Rich sweetness with caramel, vanilla, malt. The finish is not very complex, but it is good. - Conclusion - I was initially very impressed, but then the alcohol became more prominent. Accounting for the alcohol, this is struggling to reach the level of a 15. Wild Turkey Rare Breed (18/23) is less sweet, but more balanced, with less harshness. Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered (18/23) is decadent alongside this. It is not as rich, but it is definitely smoother and more balanced. Overall, I wanted to give this a higher rating, but I believe it is only a 17, unfortunately. This is likely a high point for Larceny as a brand, but it is still not particularly impressive as a whiskey.

The aroma immediately reveals charred oak and cinnamon, with cooked brown sugar and leather, followed by subtle hints of vanilla and a touch of molasses. These initial notes typically provide a preview of the dominant flavors. The palate is dry and floods the mouth with charred oak and cinnamon, supported by a faint hint of cherry. This slight fruitiness is common with wheated bourbons. The spice quickly mellows, allowing a deeper exploration of these flavors. The oak recedes, giving way to smooth vanilla and a touch of brown sugar for just the right amount of sweetness. The dryness prevents it from being overly sweet or smooth. The finish is medium-long and dry, with lingering oak and cinnamon as the creamy vanilla fades.

C922, a blend of 6 and 8 year old straight bourbons, bottled at barrel proof of 126.6, released in September 2022. The nose has sweet caramel corn and maple syrup with a slight ethanol presence. The palate features vanilla, brown sugar, caramel, graham cracker, an ethanol rush, followed by spice and pepper. The spice has a relatively long finish that is sweet and a bit fiery. It has a medium coating mouthfeel and a brown copper color in the glass. It has less tannic oak and more ethanol compared to C921. This is a robust bourbon, sweet, easy to drink, with a touch of tannic oak, but balanced and complex enough to enjoy neat. An ice cube softens and calms the sweetness and ethanol, balancing it with the spice. Breaking Bourbon named this their #1 Best Bourbon of 2022. It is good, but is it that good? I'll need to try it again.

The color is a reddish-brown that seems to radiate light. The aroma is like a cherry vanilla cola. On the palate, it's a rich sweet apple and pancake flavor. It has a somewhat bitter toffee aftertaste. Adding a good amount of water really enhances it, much like my experience with the a122, which was my introduction to this line and was fantastic. When mellowed, it provides a fruity blueberry/cherry pie and cherry cola on the finish. I read the review on breaking bourbon and largely agree with that assessment. An excellent bottle, and I'm considering getting another while they're still available.

Deep copper shade. The aroma is thick and starts with cinnamon maple syrup, plus some clove, vanilla, and cake batter. A dense, fiery feel in the mouth. The taste has more fruit than the aroma suggests, with maraschino cherry syrup, red apples, and medjool dates, plus toasted cinnamon stick, allspice, vanilla bean, and buttered biscuits. The conclusion is lengthy, fiery, and dry, with more of the buttery bread note and lingering baking spices, and a subtle hint of spearmint that tingles the tongue slightly. Larceny Barrel Proof expressions have been inconsistent for me, but this one is outstanding!