Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C921

Nose: Some candy-like sweetness, a faint mineral quality, dry and tangy grain, a whisper of licorice, and ethanol. I detect more alcohol here than in Larceny C920, but also less of that sour mash taste. I'm uncertain which I favor. Palate: It's somewhat toasty with notes of dry grain and peanut shells before a sour mash wave appears, followed by rich vanilla and a touch of salted black licorice. There's a significant alcohol burn throughout. It's more of an alcohol burn than a spicy one. A few drops of water enhance the toasty grain and the peanut brittle from the nose. A bitter sour mash flavor remains. It still burns significantly, though less intensely than without water. Finish: Bitter and tangy, with a persistent burn. A little light caramel sweetness is present, but not much. - Verdict - I prefer this to Larceny C920 (/23) due to less grain whisky tartness and burn. This one at least offers that pleasant peanut brittle note. Nevertheless, this is a very challenging drink that I don't particularly enjoy. It still evokes some of the Booker's feel that C920 did, but this is richer and more flavorful, though it doesn't quite capture the same Beam character. Considering the burn, this is certainly not as good as Elijah Craig Small Batch (15/23). Elijah Craig is sweeter and more approachable, offering diverse flavors despite tasting a bit muddled. The alcohol in this drink truly burns in comparison and dominates the profile. This is a frustratingly harsh dram. The harshness quickly overwhelms any subtlety. That's one advantage C921 has over this: its flavors are more distinct amidst its (even more intense) burn. Unlike C920, this seems like a worthy contender against Signatory's Caledonian 29 (1987). Both burn similarly, though I'd say this one burns slightly more. However, this has a slightly more engaging and decadent profile. It's a difficult choice. I believe this burns and showcases its alcohol a bit more, but it also tastes a bit better. I'm leaning towards calling it a tie and giving both a 12. This makes it the superior of the two Larceny Barrel Proofs I've sampled, but wow, that speaks volumes about the quality of these. I could see myself rating this a 13, but that's the absolute maximum I'd consider. It's not on the same level as Elijah Craig Small Batch, sadly. Elijah Craig tastes slightly better (though not significantly), but has far less burn. I have one sip left and might rate this a 13, but for now, it's unfortunately a 12. I can detect significant potential with a lot of water added, but it's still hot, and with this sample, I can't pinpoint the exact water amount needed. Even when attempting to find the ideal water level, this struggles to outperform the Caledonian. It might edge it out slightly, but I think a 12 is the most fitting score here. Thanks for the sample, a friend! It appears Larceny Barrel Proof might just not be to my taste.

The nose presents peanut brittle, barrel char, caramel, vanilla, toffee, butterscotch, and just a touch of wood. The ethanol is surprisingly low for the proof. The palate offers peanut butter, toffee, red apple, cashew, cherry, vanilla bean, custard, and cocoa. While it may lack complexity, the flavors present are very enjoyable. The flavors are bold and rich. The finish is also excellent, gradually transitioning from the palate with balancing oak, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon, though the sweet notes from the palate persist. It has an exceptionally long finish and a viscous mouthfeel. This is the best Larceny Barrel Proof I've had so far, with the nutty notes being particularly prominent. At $79.99, it's a worthwhile purchase.

The body is copper with gentle amber tones. It has noticeable legs that move quickly, leaving a solid ring on the glass. The wheat is prominent on the nose, accompanied by plenty of caramel, soft, sweet fruits like candied apples and caramelized pears. Notes of clove and coriander emerge through the rich fruit. Sipping it slowly warms the entire palate; it's not hot for the proof at all. The front is sweet, leading to the spices detected on the nose, before a prolonged finish that demonstrates exceptional balance. It concludes with darker caramel, toasted oak, and the subtle sweetness of toasted steel cut oats, plus a faint hint of vanilla buttercream. This is significantly more impressive than their standard offering. I'm buying it whenever I can.

C921, 61.3% ABV. Deep golden brown with noticeable legs. Served neat. The aroma is sweet, with notes of maple, cherry fruit, and a hint of grain spice. On the palate, there's a significant sweet vanilla oak presence, some tannins, burnt sugar, and rich toasted grain. It has a coating, rich texture. Despite its robustness, there's minimal ethanol burn in the mouth. The sweetness persists but gradually yields to a grassy spice in a lengthy finish. It's free of off-notes, presenting purely as sweet grain and oak. Adding ice mellows the flavors, bringing out more sweet malted barley, maple, and vanilla, while reducing the ethanol and tannins. Whether served neat or with ice, it's an enjoyable sipper, complex enough to maintain interest.

C921, 61.3% ABV. Deep golden brown color and shows good legs in the glass, served neat. The aroma is sweet, with maple and cherry fruit, and a touch of grain spice. In the mouth, there's big, sweet vanilla oak, some tannins, burnt sugar, and rich toasted grain. It has a coating and rich texture. As substantial and robust as this is, there's only a slight ethanol presence in the mouth. Sweetness lingers but gradually gives way to a grassy spice in a long finish. No unusual off-flavors, just sweet grain and oak. Adding ice softens the flavors, revealing more sweet malted barley, maple, and vanilla, with less ethanol and tannins. Whether served neat or with ice, it's a pleasant sipping experience, complex enough to remain engaging.

Tasted neat in a glen. Nose: A hint of oak; I personally can't discern much from the aroma. Palate: The initial taste is immediately sweet candied pecans/peanuts, with a pleasant, rich, oily texture. This dram didn't offer much heat, as the sweet, buttery palate overshadowed most hints of spice. Finish: Candied pecans/peanuts linger, and the finish is very smooth for a barrel-proof. Perhaps it's been the ryes I've been tasting lately, and this was one of my first experiences back with wheat, but this is a very mellow bourbon from the first sip to its conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wish it were easier to obtain! t8ke score: 9/10