Brian’s Larceny Barrel Proof B523 Review:
reviewed 21-September-2023
LARCENY BARREL PROOF B523 BOURBON REVIEW:
Larceny Barrel Proof B523 (Larceny B523) is a hot bourbon, and it will likely have many detractors. From the first nosing to the final finish the alcohol makes itself known. Aromas and flavors of currants, raisins, figs, cinnamon, and ginger are common throughout the pour. Also present is vanilla, brown sugar, molasses, heavily seasoned oak, toasted wood, and earthy char. While not for everyone, I like it and will take a finger more please.
LARCENY BARREL PROOF B523 VITAL STATS:
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 contain six to eight year old bourbon)
Entry Barrel Proof: 125
ABV: 62.2% (124.4 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 18860
Fair Price: $81.11 (BoozApp, September 2023)
Price: $64.95 USD (Idaho, 2023)
Distillery Release Date: May 2023
Availability: Limited, Tri-annual Batch Release
Batch: B523
▪”B” Second release of the year
▪”2″ Released in May
▪”23″ of the year 2023
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.
Learn more at Heaven Hill Distillery.
ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:
On Day 21 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge, the first one and a half ounces of anewly opened bottle mixed with the bourbon in our Infinity Bottle Project. Then, by alternating the pours, four once review amounts went into a Glencairn and a Weck. After posting on social media, my daughter and I enjoyed the bourbon neat as I prepared this review. About 30 minutes had gone by before my first sip.
LARCENY BARREL PROOF B523 NOSE:
When first brought to my nose, Larceny B523 nearly overwhelms with acetone and ethanol. As I try again, but this time with caution, fruit tree blossoms, a hint of mint, and some herbal, roasted corn peek in. Each inhalation remains hot, but with more shallow draws, I discern berries, currants, raisins, and figs, which seem to be characteristic of Larceny Barrel Proof offerings. Still there is an aire of freshness here too, fresh like a squeeze of fresh citrus. Then come allspice, powdered ginger, and white pepper sprinkled on a cutting board where wheat bread slices and graham crackers have been prepared for snacking. As I noted in other Larceny reviews, the sweets are few as well, although vanilla, caramel corn, light brown sugar, and honeycomb do make an appearance. There is some faint toasted almond here too, however seasoned, dry oak and toasted barrel spice are the backbone of the pour.
LARCENY BARREL PROOF B523 PALATE:
The initial sips of Larceny B523 deliver a noticeable alcohol burn, and provide a fairly substantial bite. However, with more deliberate sipping, an earthy vegetal essence becomes apparent, which is characterized by floral, herbal, and roasted corn notes. Intriguingly, these flavors exhibit a slight acidity and subtle bitterness. The aromatic impressions I detected on the nose transition to the palate. Cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper combine in a currant, raisin, and fig jam spread over a graham cracker. Within this blend, I taste rich vanilla and dark, sweet brown sugar, complemented by a drizzle of molasses. These darker elements find their anchor in the robust embrace of heavily seasoned oak, accompanied by hints of barrel tannins, toasted wood, and, of course, earthy char, to enhance the overall depth.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
While discernible elements in Larceny B523 are limited in number, those present exhibit a well-balanced profile. Fruits stand up to sweets, and both go toe-to-toe with the earthy wood and while not as strong, flora and spice play their roll as well. The first sips are aggressive and the liquid gives the underside of the tongue quite a tickle. As my palate adjusts to the heat, the liquid adopts a viscous and oily texture, making it relatively easy to handle. Peering inside the glass, an irregular crown of broken clinging droplets form. and after each sip, a liquid sheet quickly breaks away into fat evenly spaced legs to transport the dregs back to the mahogany colored pool.
LARCENY BARREL PROOF B523 FINISH
The finish of Larceny Barrel Proof B523 creates a medium-long burn in the throat. As it gradually cools to a subdued warmth, barrel tannins meld with currants, raisins, figs, and spices of cinnamon and ginger. Concealed beneath these flavors lie rich vanilla, simple syrup, brown sugar, and dark molasses. However it is the earthy depth which stands alone … heavy, seasoned oak, and ever-present toasted wood and char dominate the finish. And when the last drops are downed, a mild aroma of wood, sugars, and faint red berries waft from the empty Glencairn.
MY RATING: 90/100
Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 90/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Larceny.
WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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