Category: Brian’s Whiskey Reviews

Larceny Barrel Proof B523

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

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:
Larceny Barrel Proof B523

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.

Larceny Barrel Proof B523

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:
Larceny Barrel Proof B523
Larceny Barrel Proof B523

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Larceny Barrel Proof A123

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Larceny Barrel Proof A123 Review:

reviewed 20-September-2023

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A123 BOURBON REVIEW:

Larceny Barrel Proof A123 (Larceny A123) presents with a substantial amount of alcohol heat and even a little burn for the unwary. Though I would not classify A123 as a sweet bourbon, there are aromas and flavors of currant, raisin, and prune, as well as vanilla, brown sugar caramel, honey, and maple syrup. While the mouthfeel is creamy, and becomes quite oily the longer it is held, I do get quite a tingling on and under the tongue. To balance the heat, spices of cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper counter the strong influence of oak, barrel spice, toasted wood, and char, as earthy leather adds to the dry finish.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A123 VITAL STATS:
Larceny Barrel Proof A123

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: 62.9% (125.8 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 18860
Fair Price: $81.04 (BoozApp, September 2023)
Price: $64.95 USD (Idaho, 2023)
Distillery Release Date: January 2023
Availability: Tri-annual Batch Release
Batch: A123
▪”A” First release of the year
▪”1″ Released in January
▪”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 20 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge, the first one and a half ounces of the new bottle mixed with the bourbon in our Infinity Bottle Project. Then, four onces went into a Glencairn. After posting on social media, I enjoyed the bourbon neat as I prepared this review. About 30 minutes had gone by before my first sip.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A123 NOSE:

Upon taking the first deep draw, acetone and ethanol blend, causing my nose to twinge and eyes to water. At a higher proof, Larceny C922 has less impact on the senses. With smaller draws, fragrances of blossoms, field corn, and wheat emerge, along with sweet berry nectar, dried currants, raisins, prune, and fig. In the blend, scant spice aromas of powdered ginger and white pepper play hide and seek with each breath. A123 smells surprisingly sweet as light vanilla mixes with hints of butterscotch, brown sugar caramel, honey, and maple syrup. I also sense wheat toast, and then light and dry, freshly piled oak sawdust cut from toasted wood. While most of the aromas are unassertive, with none in the forefront, I get an earthy soil-like sensation the deeper I go into the pour.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A123 PALATE:

With each sip, Larceny A123 demands attention with its warm, almost hot ethanol burn. With small tastes, employing just the tip of the tongue, I detect roasted corn in a soft and wheaty blend of darkly sweet currants, raisins and prune. These flavors mingle with spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cracked black pepper. As my mouth acclimates, bigger sips bring vanilla, rich brown sugar caramel, and a delicate drizzle of molasses which combine to create a dark treacle treat. While the noted flavors are limited, they possess the boldness necessary to withstand the woody elements of dry seasoned oak, barrel spice, char, and supple earthy leather. A123 is an intriguing pour.

Larceny Barrel Proof A123

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
My first sip of Larceny A123 is creamy with only a mild tickle on the tongue. It is easy to hold and becomes oily as the salivary glands go to work on the liquid in my mouth. In the glass, slow forming droplets hang from a solid crown and after each sip, fat long clinging legs break to drain what is left back to the terracotta-colored pool.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF A123 FINISH

Larceny Barrel Proof A123 delivers a long, dry, and almost hot throat-warming finish with individual sensations challenging to detect. However, with careful reflection, I can sense roasted corn, raisin, and prune in some sips. Additionally, cinnamon, ginger, and pepper are easier to discern, along with rich vanilla-infused brown sugar caramel and dark molasses. Faint characteristics of the wheat toast I smelled on the nose occasionally emerge. Nevertheless, the most prevalent notes are dry seasoned oak and toasted wood, along with char, which form the foundation for the earthy old leather as the memory of the pour fades. And when the last drops are gone, the empty Glencairn smells of lucious red berry pastry, a nip of bourbon, and a dusting of fresh sawdust.

MY RATING: 92/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 92/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Larceny.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Larceny Barrel Proof A123
Larceny Barrel Proof A123

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Larceny Barrel Proof C922

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Larceny Barrel Proof C922 Review:

reviewed 19-September-2023

LARCENY BARREL PROOF C922 BOURBON REVIEW:

Larceny Barrel Proof C922 (Larceny C922) surprises with minimal alcohol presence despite its high ABV. I sense warm sherry notes in its balanced aroma and flavors of dark berries, vanilla, brown sugar, woody caramel, and Bit ‘o Honey candy. And while the spice car of cinnamon, ginger, black pepper lags behind, barrel tannins, weathered oak timbers, barrel spice, and burnt oak notes, affirm its earthy character. This interesting and broody pour would be welcome on a blustery winter’s evening, inside by a roaring fire.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF C922 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: 63.3% (126.6 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 18860
Fair Price: $101.76 (BoozApp, September 2023)
Price: $64.95 USD (Idaho, 2022)
Distillery Release Date: September 2022
Availability: Limited, Tri-annual Batch Release
Batch: C922
▪”C” Third (last) release of the year
▪”9″ Released in September
▪”22″ of the year 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.

Learn more at Heaven Hill Distillery.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

On Day 19 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge, 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 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 C922 NOSE:

The initial sip of Larceny C922 surprises with its minimal alcohol presence, despite its 63+ ABV. Instead, it offers a gentle and warm sherry note, accompanied by an array of blossoms and herbs. With additional nosing, dark berries, caramel-dipped apple slices, pluots, and figs emerge, along with hints of allspice, nutmeg, and white pepper. As the aromas unfold, notes of crisp gingerbread, subtle vanilla, brown sugar, woody caramel, and a touch of Bit ‘o Honey candy introduce a rich sweetness. Crushed peanuts, weathered oak timbers, and burnt oak notes, coupled with a hint of freshly tooled leather, contribute to a charred and earthy complexity.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF C922 PALATE:

In the mouth, Larceny C922 reveals some similarities but introduces a new new elements as well. With the first sips, there’s a pronounced alcohol bite and a strong, hot burn. After the initial roughness subsides, I discern notes of herbal roasted corn and in the sips which follow, I taste a deep, plum and fig-like darkness. As I reflect on the flavor, it conjures a blend of red raisins, prune, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, accented by hints of bitter dark chocolate. Additional dark sweets, including Bit ‘o Honey candy, nearly burnt brown sugar, and chocolate-dipped bitter walnut toffee, reinforce my impressions. As I taste on, the presence of barrel tannins, weathered oak timbers, toasted wood, and char, which were detected on the nose, contribute to the C922’s overall earthy theme.

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
As noted above, Larceny C922 is balanced in its dark fruit and sweet but dark sugary notes but C922 is a bit faint on the flora and heavy on woody notes. Each sip can be challenging to hold, being quite prickly on the gums and rough on the tongue, but I tend to like an aggressive bourbon. Once I become accustomed to the burn, the pour is buttery, then becomes viscous the longer it is held as saliva does its job. Between sips, a thin broken crown with a few clinging droplets forms and when tilting the glass for a drink, thin, fast falling legs drain the extra back to the mahogany colored pool.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF C922 FINISH

Larceny Barrel Proof C922 delivers an exceptionally long and lingering finish which warms the throat and esophagus. I detect the presence of dark berries, stone fruit, and fig, as well as the spices of cinnamon, ginger, and pepper previously noted on the nose and palate. Sensations of burnt brown sugar and toffee remain prominent, along with the distinct characteristics of barrel tannins, heavily seasoned oak, barrel spice, and char. In the empty Glencairn glass, the remnants of old leather and sawdust affirm the earthy nature of this pour.

MY RATING: 89/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 89/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Larceny.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Larceny Barrel Proof C922
Larceny Barrel Proof C922

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