Category: Bourbon Whiskey

Larceny Barrel Proof A122 Bourbon

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Larceny Barrel Proof A122 Bourbon Review:

reviewed 29-June-2022

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A122 BOURBON REVIEW:

Larceny Barrel Proof A122 Bourbon (Larceny BP A122) has quite a lot of ethanol on the nose. There is earthy roasted corn, dry hay, and musty tobacco leaves and the aroma of apple, cherry, and apricot compote flexes on the palate. The flavors are nearly masked by dark spices of black pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. This bourbon is not sweet, but there is a hint of burnt dark chocolate, some brown sugar, and dark molasses as well. Overall, it is the earthiness which dominates. Hazy barrel char, tobacco ash, and musty leather fade in and out of every sip.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A122 BOURBON VITAL STATS:
Larceny Barrel Proof A122

Category: Barrel Proof Wheated Bourbon
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Mashbill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Barley
Barrel Char: #3
Age: nas (Heaven Hill states batches will contain six to eight year old bourbon)
Entry Barrel Proof: 125
ABV: 62.2% (124.4 Proof)
Availability: Tri-annual Limited Release
Batch: A122
▪”A” First release of the year
▪”1″ Released in January
▪”22″ Released in 2022
NABCA CSC #: 18860
Price: $59.95 USD (in Idaho, 2022)

The Larceny line of Bourbon is the modern heir of our historic wheated mashbill, known behind-the-scenes at our distillery as “O.F.D.” or Old Fitzgerald Distillate.
— Heaven Hill

Learn more at Heaven Hill Distillery.

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

Taken out of the newly opened bottle, the first one and a half ounces mixed with the bourbon in our Infinity Bottle Project. Then, by alternating the pours, four once review amounts went into three Glencairns. My daughters and I enjoyed the bourbon neat as we prepared this review.

Check out Hannah’s review here!

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A122 NOSE:

At first draw, Larceny BP A122 greets with quite a lot of ethanol. Once I acclimate, roasted corn, dry hay, and musty tobacco blend with a lightly caramel coated fruit leather mixture of apple, cherry, and apricot. I smell baking spices of ginger, black pepper, bittersweet chocolate and faint vanilla. The sweets are few but come to the nose as woody brown sugar. But most noticeable are the earthy aromas of toasted almonds, fresh-cut pine, and musty leather.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A122 PALATE:

Each sip of Larceny BP A122 is full of warming ethanol as dusty grain, green vegetables, and tobacco play tag on the tongue. This drinks more like a ryed bourbon than one from a wheated pedigree. The apple, cherry, and apricot compote sensed on the nose flexes a bit more, but the fruity flavors are nearly overshadowed by the warm dark spices of black pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. While this bourbon is not one I would call sweet, I do taste a hint of burnt dark chocolate, some brown sugar, and dark molasses. The earthiness sensed on the nose builds on the palate, as hazelnuts, dry oak, some barrel char and musty damp leather dominate.

Larceny Barrel Proof A122

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
The aromas and flavors of Larceny BP A122 are well blended but for me, a bit heavy on the dirty side. In my mouth the liquid is viscous but aggressive, rough and gritty and at times, challenging to hold at length. As I tilt the glass then set it down, long clinging legs break from the curtain and fall quickly. When I swirl the glass, small droplets fall away, leaving a thin crown ring which hangs above the red-toned terracotta colored pool.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A122 FINISH:

Larceny Barrel Proof A122 Bourbon offers a medium long throat warming and mild ethanol finish. In the aftertaste I get green vegetables, black pepper and burnt brown sugar caramel, a combination I am not sure I like. The earthy theme continues as hazy barrel char, tobacco ash, and musty leather fade in and out. As I finish the last drops, the empty Glencairn smells of ethanol, drying grain and oak sawdust.

MY RATING: 85/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Since its inception and release in January 2020, Larceny Barrel Proof bottles have become much sought after … I will seek out future releases regardless of rating.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 85/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Larceny.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Larceny Barrel Proof A122
Larceny Barrel Proof A122

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Individual Whiskey Reviews

Larceny Barrel Proof A122 Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Larceny Barrel Proof A122 Review

Original review written June 29, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Maybe heavier on the earth and wood than other Larceny Barrel Proof’s, this one is still worth the buy – just treat it entirely as a new experience. 91/100

VITALS:
Larceny Barrel Proof A122 Review

– Made In: Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Heaven Hill Distillery
– Classification: Wheated Bourbon
– Age: nas (Heaven Hill states batches will contain six- to eight-year-old bourbon)
– Mash Bill: Corn=68%; Wheat=20%; Malted Barley=12%
– Casks: Char #3
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– ABV: 62.2% (124.4 proof)
– Price: $59.95 USD in Idaho in May 2022

For more information, visit heavenhill.com

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

This bourbon screams autumn to me – with the leaves found on the nose to the simply rich and earthy darkness of the overall palate. It’s something I imagine enjoying when the weather turns, and it’s misty outside with the raked leaves soaking in the moisture. The bourbon exacerbates the clean that comes from a changing season, while digging deep into the earth to reflect the fall season. Being almost 125 proof, this keeps you warm in that crisp air all the while.

Photo by Daniel Frank on Unsplash

NOSE:

Roasted grain, caramel, and cinnamon cross the nose first, hitting all sorts of flavor profiles. There’re also sweet marshmallows just on the verge of burning to a bitterness. Strangely, there’s a musty, earthy quality here as well, like a soaked pile of leaves in the fall. It’s a bit dirty, but it’s simultaneously fresh. Oak sawdust and a warm alcohol tingle, act as a solid foundation, but otherwise, this nose isn’t particularly complex. It’s dark with sweet, earthy tones – unlike other Larceny Barrel Proof’s I’ve had, but this one is still intriguing all the same.

PALATE:
Larceny Barrel Proof A122 Review

– Mouth Feel: Viscous. There’s texture here, but it swirls around on the palate pleasantly.
– Balance: Unexpected. Not necessarily bad, but this is heavy on the earth and wood tones, with only a little fruit and sugar to brighten it. I don’t mind it, though I am used to better balances coming from Larceny BP’s.
– Visual: Terracotta pot in color, this falls from a faint crown in long, evenly spaced legs. Once gone, that faint crown lingers and lingers.

– Taste: Grain and straw offer something to chew on the first sip with soaked wood chips and apricots following behind. The apricot is pureed into almost a jam consistency with sugar included. It makes for a sweeter, yet more diluted apricot flavor overall. Mixed with the stone fruit is honey, sweetening it further while also providing a different, yet equally appropriate kind of base, to the traditional oak. Despite these sugary flavors, this bourbon is actually quite musty and earthy. It’s dark in the way that I can taste the influence of the char on not just the barrel, but also the wheat. It has age on it, which imparts a richness and dare I say – a self-awareness. This bourbon just has character.

The alcohol is present, but I don’t find it overly aggressive. The heat sits primarily at the back of the palate and doesn’t seem inclined to hug – just hang out. When I partake in a Kentucky chew, the alcohol remains mild, poking a bit more. It allows me to find some darker fruits here like cherries, but they are fleeting. Overall, the chew is a fun exercise to this bourbon.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Long. It’s been several minutes since I’ve had a sip, yet the warmth continues to sit at the back of my throat, and I do have some aftertaste lingering for a while as well.
– Between Sips: The wheat grain is the most distinguishable between sips, being musty like the rest of the palate while also acting as a grounding point overall for the bourbon.

– No More: This stays consistent throughout the glass, with the finish growing longer and longer after each sip. It’s decent, but it is unlike any of the other Larceny Barrel Proof’s we have had to date. I’m excited for the newness and simultaneously missing the characteristics I’ve come to define Larceny BP’s with.

The empty Glencairn is the warmest aspect of this nose, with the oak being fresh and punchy. And I can even find the grain here as well, proving this bourbon to be consistent all through to the end.

WORTH THE PRICE?

When it comes to anything barrel proof, I’ll always step up to buy and try. If you like the other Larceny’s and still want to hunt for this one, I think it’s worth the price of $60, but don’t expect the fruits that you may have tasted in the other offerings. A122 has its own story, and it’s best to let it stretch its legs without putting expectations on it, beyond having a richer, deeper “How-is-this-Larceny” profile. I’d buy again, but I’d sooner buy another batch of Larceny BP if available. (Remember – I like my fruits.)

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A122 REVIEW RATING: 91/100

Click to see Hannah’s rating process

Click 91/100 to access other whiskies with this rating.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Larceny.

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Whiskey Reviews

Elora and Booker’s 2022-01 Ronnie’s Batch

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah here! And introducing the third sipper of the family and guest writer, Elora Dawson. Elora has been sipping with Dad and me since she turned 21 two years ago, and she’s even practiced writing many a review with us! To celebrate this year’s National Bourbon Day (excuse our tardiness), we all thought it was time to include her in our posting adventures. This week, she stars as a guest reviewer on The Sip, and perhaps we will see more of her in the future. For now, enjoy reading her thoughts on a Booker’s Batch (yep – she sips with the best of them ;)).

Elora and Booker’s 2022-01 Ronnie’s Batch

Original review written June 7, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Booker’s Ronnie’s Batch is a great bourbon that has many sweet and earthy tones. However, it should NOT be taken lightly; its heat can give Kentucky hug if you are not careful.

VITALS:
Elora and Booker's 2022-01 Ronnie's Batch

– Made In: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Jim Beam Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Small Batch
– Age: 6 yrs. 11 months, 22 days
– Mash Bill: Corn=77%; Rye=13%; Malted Barley=10%
– Casks: Char #4
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– ABV: 62.15% (124.3 proof)
– Price: $89.95 USD in Idaho in 2022

Elora and Booker's 2022-01 Ronnie's Batch

– From Master Distiller’s Notes: Ronnie’s Batch is made up of barrels that were aged in 5 different locations/warehouses (WH)… Breakdown is as follows:
48%: 5th floor of 7-story WH Z
26%: 5th floor of 7-story WH Q
15%: 5th floor of 7-story WH 1
7%: 4th floor of 9-story WH D
4%: 3rd floor of 7-story WH 5

Find more information at bookersbourbon.com

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed my bourbon neat in a Glencairn glass along with my sister and dad.

Check Hannah’s and Brian’s reviews here!

MUSIC SELECTION:

Booker’s Ronnie’s Batch should be shared with close friends and family and should be used to create happy memories. Poor Man’s Poison’s “A Place for Friends” provides comfort to the listener while encouraging them to revisit those sentimental moments with a nostalgic smile.

Video found on YouTube.com under PoorMansPoison Channel from Friends With the Enemy (2011)

Numerous flavors can be detected in Booker’s Ronnie’s Batch, and while it is easy to note the sweet tones that make the drink shine, it is also grounded by the deep fruity and earthy essences. Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity” from his The Planets showcases these traits, with the high strings and woodwinds representing the sugars and the low strings and headstrong brass portray the depth and heat.

Video found on YouTube.com under Nicks Channel – Performance by James Levine and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (2008)

NOSE:

This bourbon at first carries several sweet tones, notably caramel, marshmallow, and the artificial essence of cinnamon from Red Hots. However, the mellow scents of white bread and wine ground these strong sugars. There is also a hint of star anise, toffee, peanuts, black licorice, sweetened butter, and pastry that is laced with honey, much like the Latin-American dessert, sopapillas. Fruity aromas, such as apricot jam, grilled pineapples, figs, marmalade, granny smith apples, and rainier cherries counter the other sweet flavors. It is also worth mentioning that herbs and other earthy scents balance the other notes in the dram, and these include dry grass, soil, spear mint, dust, petrichor (the smell of rain), and bibliosmia (the smell of books).

PALATE:
Elora and Booker's 2022-01 Ronnie's Batch

Feel: The dram is thick, dry, and hot as it settles comfortably in the chest.

Balance: Everything within the drink blends incredibly well, almost to where discerning distinct flavors is difficult.

Visual: The color is mahogany, and there is a defined crown with long legs that stick to the glass

The bourbon carries a more nutty and fruity tone with subtle hints of the sweet flavors listed above. Honey, sopapillas, marshmallow, peanuts, soil, apples, marmalade, butter, and caramel once again can be detected in the taste. Other flavors, while subtle, shine through in the drink, which include notes of artificial grape essence, sunflower seeds, vanilla, pear, banana bread, poppyseed, maraschino and bing cherries, charred oak and graham cracker.

Some bourbons in my experience have differing scents and palates, which can strongly affect how I like them. I am a person who usually wants to be able to taste the flavors that I get in the nose, and if I come across one that has a strong difference in aroma and taste, I will most likely not gravitate towards it. This, fortunately, cannot be said about Booker’s Ronnie’s Batch because I was able to find numerous connections between the taste and aroma. Because of this, I was easily able to enjoy this sweet beverage.    

FINISH:

The dram has a long finish in both the palate and the feel. Peanuts, apricots, cherries, charred oak, grassy herbs, and a surprising hint of boiled chicken linger in the mouth. It settles snugly in the chest and warns of the possibility of a Kentucky hug if not taken seriously. After a Kentucky chew, hints of warm, sweet sugar and brine present themselves for a generous second before returning to the finishing flavors.   

BUY AGAIN/WORTH THE PRICE?

I personally enjoyed Booker’s Ronnie’s Batch because of the plethora of flavors I was able to detect in both the nose and palate. While $90 may seem like an expensive purchase, I would say that it is worth it and should be included in a bourbon collection. Therefore, I would be more than happy to buy it again.

ELORA AND BOOKER’S 2022-01 RONNIE’S BATCH RATING: 92/100

To access other whiskies from this brand, click Booker’s.

Music has always been a part of my life, whether I am playing or listening to it. Since I started appreciating bourbon, I have been trying to think of possible songs that would be compatible with the dram. There isn’t a single genre that I gravitate to the most, but there are several songs that I love. As a new reviewer to Whiskey for the Ages, I want to be able to provide at least a couple of musical excerpts; one will be representing my musical career in a classical setting, and the other will be from more mainstream genres. I hope you’re able to enjoy these bourbons with my music selections!

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Elora and Booker’s 2022-01 Ronnie’s Batch
written June 2022 by Elora Dawson
Writer, WhiskeyfortheAges.com