Larceny Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Continuing to assess the unreviewed bottles in my collection. Also continuing my color-matching exercise. Pantone 152 appears quite bourbon-like, blending elements of what I've described as burnt orange and mahogany (clear, naturally). The color of Larceny matches Weller Special Reserve, tasted concurrently. The Larceny presents a noticeable dusty/musty aroma. Beneath that lie notes of caramel and spice cake. The palate is an improvement, slightly thicker than the WSR; the higher proof seems better integrated than the WSR's 90. Similar to the WSR, a woody, tannic bitterness marks the finish, accompanied by some vanilla. I significantly prefer the various Larceny Barrel Proof releases over this "younger sibling." It's not solely the elevated proof that appeals; I enjoy both Elijah Craig and its Barrel-Proof iteration (all Heaven Hill products, like Larceny). Like the WSR tasted alongside it, Larceny isn't a whiskey for sipping or even daily consumption for me; however, unlike the WSR, I don't feel the need to keep this one readily available. Note: All spirits sampled neat in a Glencairn glass.

The aroma is reminiscent of banana bread, and I could inhale it indefinitely. The taste features banana bread and caramel, with a hint of orange appearing as it finishes. This wheat whiskey offers excellent value for the price and comes with an interesting background. Update: My prior bottle seemed to leave me with slightly unpleasant breath the next morning, but this has not been the case with my current bottle. It's possible the previous one was flawed, or perhaps a dental procedure resolved the problem.

It's alright; I was expecting a more pronounced flavor from this wheated bourbon, but given the price, I can't complain. The aroma is decent with baking spices, wheat, and possibly cinnamon/vanilla. The taste is spicy, with hot cinnamon, wheat, and not much else, a little oaky. The finish dissipates quickly and isn't memorable. For the price, it's acceptable, but it would probably be better suited as a component in an Old Fashioned or a similar cocktail. An amazing price at Bottles in East Providence! Buy it while it's cheap; I wouldn't pay over $25.

Overall, Larceny comes across as quite light and bright for a bourbon. The nose has only a bit of freshly cut wood and hints of maple syrup. The flavor is also very light, with just some woodiness and sweetness, plus a quick burst of white wine when swallowing. Mixed with coke, it seems to reduce some of the sweetness, creating a generally light and strangely muted impression of less sweet coke with a slight amount of wood and some white wine acidity.

The initial aroma is dominated by strong oak and wood scents with a whisper of cinnamon. The palate offers a surprise with sweet Valentine's heart candy notes, immediately followed by spicy black pepper that lingers into the brief finish. As the finish fades, the initial candied sweetness reappears before concluding with a waxy coating on the tongue.

Smell: cherries and oak, cherries and oak, cherries and oak. Palate: unlike Makers Mark, which also presents a tasty cherry and oak aroma, Larceny’s does not transfer to the mouth. Merely ethanol and wheat spice. Unpleasant. Aftertaste: brief. Older Fitzgeralds are excellent (a shame they are unobtainable). But this is not. Sometimes a barrel pick stands out, but I generally steer clear of this. Makers Mark is superior in all aspects.