Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C923

Continuing to try whiskies from my collection that I haven't reviewed yet. Getting closer! Larceny Barrel Proof is a wheated bourbon made by Heaven Hill, first introduced in January 2020. It's the higher-proof version of HH's Larceny, which came out in 2012 and is bottled at 92 proof. LBP is released three times annually and follows the same naming style as HH's Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (e.g., A123, etc.; A, B, C denote the release; 1, 5, 9 indicate Jan., May, Sep.; 23 signifies 2023). The company's website states the mashbill remains constant at 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. LBP serves as a wheated counterpart to ECBP, which uses a more traditional bourbon mashbill with rye instead of wheat. Larceny Barrel Proof A123 Appearance is a clear, dark mahogany, close to Pantone 153 and 160 (Pantone's system has an unusual progression; there are many lighter shades between 153 and 160). The aroma is powerful and fruity, featuring brown sugar, cooked cinnamon apples, buttery scones with raspberry jam, strong coffee, and noticeable alcohol. The taste is very rich and sweet, with a slightly slick texture that coats your mouth with its warm brown sugar sweetness. After sampling the C923, I detect a definite peanut brittle note. The strong coffee flavor returns on the finish, with a hint of its espresso bitterness, along with some char and vanilla. There's some lingering warmth, but this is barrel-proof bourbon, not a fancy mixed drink. The A123 is quite good; however, I'm tempering my enthusiasm slightly from my review on 10/5/23 (which compared it to ECBP A123). Tasting it now alongside the LBP B523 and C923, my assessment is a bit lower than before, but still higher than the community's average of 4.05. It has a complex smell, but the heat is just a little too prominent. Nevertheless, it's an excellent value: each Larceny Barrel Proof release usually costs around $70. Would I purchase it again? Yes. 4.25 out of 5 stars. 125.8 proof. No age statement on the bottle, but 6-8 years old according to Heaven Hill's website. Larceny Barrel Proof B523 The clear mahogany color is identical to the A123, matching Pantone 153 or 160. The first impression is cocoa powder, worn leather, pancakes with syrup, sweet pipe tobacco, Luxardo cherries, and a sweetness reminiscent of the bread pudding I recently had at a Colombian restaurant, which contained raisins and a custard-like caramelized sugar. There's also a slight tang, similar to barbecue sauce. Like the A123, it has a coating creaminess with a corn pudding sweetness and cinnamon, and just the right balance of oak and vanilla on the finish, with a bit of residual warmth. The B523's aroma is less pronounced than the January release; it's not as bold and possesses a refined smoothness that suggests a bit more maturity. The proof is almost the same as the A123, but the heat is better incorporated. At a price of about $70, it offers great value. Would I buy it again? Yes. 4.5 out of 5 stars. 124.4 proof. No age statement on the bottle, but 6-8 years old according to Heaven Hill's website. Larceny Barrel Proof C923 The same clear mahogany Pantone 153/160 color as the A123 and B523. This aroma is different: it has an almost savory richness with buttered English muffins and strawberry jam, warm banana bread, spiced oranges, chocolate fudge, toffee, vanilla, and even a hint of saltiness. The same light, slick mouthfeel as the A123 and B523 is present on the palate, with bananas flambé and its accompanying caramelized sugar bitterness. There are some drying, leathery notes on the finish, and the vanilla persists. The C923 is outstanding. I could smell it for hours. And it's the smoothest to drink of the group. Curiously, the community rating of 3.88 is the lowest among the 2023 releases (with only 6 reviews prior to this one). As with all these LBP releases, the $70 retail price is a fantastic deal in today's market. Would I buy the C923 again? Absolutely. I'll be searching for more. 4.75 out of 5 stars. 126.4 proof. No age statement on the bottle, but 6-8 years old according to Heaven Hill's website. Overall impression: I have a sweet palate, and "sweet" is the word that defines these 2023 releases. They share more commonalities than differences, offering a comforting, blanket-like warmth along with that wonderful (but not overwhelming) sweetness and intensity. Each is very similar in proof, ranging from 124.4 to 126.4. The A123 exhibits youthful vigor; the B523 seems more mature; and the C923 combines the best of both, balancing robustness with refinement, and further distinguishes itself with its savory characteristics. Word on the street is that the Larceny Barrel Proof series is improving. I'm not as familiar with them as I am with their Elijah Craig Barrel Proof relatives, but surely the upward trend can't continue much longer, as each of these is already very good. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

The aroma is livelier and more fruity than usual for this line, while still having familiar characteristics; green apples, burnt sugar, cooked pear, vanilla, wood scorch, and aged, sweet oak. The alcohol is noticeable, but beyond that, it's a fantastic smell. The taste completely abandons the fruit from the aroma and dives into butterscotch, caramel, nut candy, burnt sugar ends, and spiced sweet rolls. While the taste itself is fine, it was a letdown because the scent suggested an exceptional experience that didn't materialize. It lacks some body and depth. The finish offers a brief touch of apple before being aggressively replaced by a surge of baking spices like cinnamon, allspice, clove, and ginger, along with heavy chili, oak, and leather. This finish is intensely hot; my tongue feels like it's burning. A hint of honey appears as the spice fades, which I liked. The texture is full and rich but slightly gritty due to the spice, making it feel harsher than it should, and it's not nearly smooth enough to compensate. I generally like this series, but this one feels a bit below average to me. The flavor profile seemed too basic, and the finish was excessively hot for it to be considered top-tier. At its price point, the slight overcharge combined with a generally disappointing experience means this is likely the first Larceny BP I wouldn't repurchase.

I had never tried a Larceny Barrel Proof before, always hearing great things. I managed to get a bottle at MSRP while purchasing Stagg 23b and decided to go for it. It's hard to believe this is 126 proof; the aroma doesn't suggest it. The nose has a subtle spicy cinnamon undertone that tickles slightly. Layered over the cinnamon are notes of brown sugar, lemon zest, some leather, and slightly burnt, damp wood, reminiscent of a campfire the morning after. The palate begins with salted caramel. It has a notably thick mouthfeel, with a blend of saltiness and sweetness. The spicy cinnamon theme continues throughout, accompanied by delicious honey-roasted nuts and brown sugar. As you drink more, the spice intensifies and dominates your palate, so savor that initial taste carefully. At the start of the finish, a peculiar fruity tartness emerges, tasting like underripe cherries. However, it's barely perceptible behind the spicy cinnamon, dry leather, and oak tannins. The proof makes its presence known on the finish, delivering a fiery warmth that fills you. This is unquestionably a great sipper, not just for its proof. If you can find it at MSRP, grab it immediately – it's a fantastic deal.

First pour - 1.5oz. Allowed to rest for 10 minutes in my glass. Drank neat. Aroma: resembles burnt brown sugar, soft-serve vanilla ice cream, cinnamon sugar, baking spice, light oak, and a touch of caramel. Palate: very sweet initially with strong vanilla, caramel/honey sweetness, toasted peanuts, a hint of cherry/red fruit, light oak, barrel char, baking spices, and pepper. Finish: long and warming with a pleasant "Kentucky hug." The finish is dominated by spices, followed by oak, barrel char, and more vanilla ice cream. Mouthfeel: high viscosity, coating, with a slight effervescence after sipping. Delightful. Summary: First impressions - as this was my initial and only tasting today - it was extremely sweet upfront, followed by abundant spice! This was a positive experience! After adjusting to the proof, it became much more mellow. To me, after acclimating, it didn't drink like its stated proof; it felt more like 115 proof (compared to my OF 1920). A very good, enjoyable way to end the day after work! Comparison to my A123 batch - SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER - the clear winner between the two. Much more balanced, sweeter, and oilier - overall superior.

The initial aroma struck me as "Lively." At its heart is a sweet, caramel-like bourbon, complete with brown sugar, a hint of vanilla, and some dark fruits. Additionally, there are tropical fruit notes on the periphery, along with spice that is more than a subtle addition. I really like this aroma, which changes little with water added, and I could easily argue it's better without it. The flavor is quite delicious, with nutty notes appearing early before fruit flavors take over later... but again, it's fundamentally good, classic bourbon, with the sweet caramel prevailing over the spice at the finish. The finish is moderately long. An excellent bourbon, it remains a top value in today's whiskey market... if you can find it (even though I paid $70).

Served in a Glencairn glass after resting for fifteen minutes. Color: Medium to dark amber. Smell: Notes of caramel and toffee, with hints of raisins and cherries. Taste: Red cinnamon candies with a dry oak presence at the end. Aftertaste: Extended duration, but less intense heat than anticipated. With water added: Sweet clove and baking spice notes become noticeable. General impression: 8.5/10 - This would hold up well with ice or a mixer, but it's excellent on its own. I'm uncertain of the suggested retail price, but I found it at a reasonable cost and would certainly buy it again if it were over $50.