Brian’s Larceny Barrel Proof A120 Review:
30-November-2020
LARCENY BARREL PROOF BATCH A120 REVIEW:
Grassy aromas, dark fruit, spice and brown sugar treat the nose. Larceny Barrel Proof A120 is creamy but gives the tongue a nice tickle when held. Its deep woodiness blends with dark fruits. There is enough sweetness to entertain the palate and each sip finishes long with lingering warmth.
Heaven Hill is upping its game by adding another barrel proof line. High proof wheated Larceny expressions will be highlighted under their own spotlight. Labeling is similar to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof expressions, with “A”, “B”, and “C” designating the order, the numbers “1”, “5”, and “9” designating the month and the last two digits, in the label indicating the release year. As such, A120 was first of 2020 and released in January.
LARCENY BARREL PROOF BATCH A120 VITAL STATS:
Category: Wheated Bourbon (tri-annual release)
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Mashbill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Barley
Barrel Char: #3
Age: nas (Heaven Hill has stated Larceny Barrel Proof batches will contain six to eight year old bourbon)
Barrel Proof: 125
Bottle label: Batch A120
ABV: 61.6% (123.2 Proof)
Price: $49.95 USD (in Idaho 2020)
Learn more at https://heavenhill.com/.
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
For the evaluation, I enjoyed A120 neat from Glencairns with my daughter and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer Hannah.
Check out her review for this bourbon here!
NOSE:
Upon first nosing, Larceny Barrel Proof A120 offers a trace of dry warm alcohol. Second and subsequent nosings bring on grassy hay-like qualities mixed with roasted sweet corn, dusty grain and a nice wheatiness. Dark sweet cherries aromas, stone fruits, ripe plums and a hint of fresh picked green apples dance with allspice, nutmeg and white pepper. Sweets of brown sugared pastry, yellow cake, bittersweet chocolate chips, and vanilla custard mix with traditional bourbon notes of burnt brown sugar caramel and dark chocolate covered toffee. There are a few pinenuts hiding in the light oak and smoky sweet toasted wood which pair nicely with the deep and earthy old leather.
PALATE:
The first sip of Larceny Barrel Proof A120 gives the mouth a warm bite and it is quite herbal, offering both sweet corn and dense green vegetables to entertain the taste buds. More sipping brings on berry notes (nearly ripe blackberries???) which are almost masked by dark stone fruit, fresh-picked plums and other dried dark fruits. Interestingly, A120 is almost savory as spices of cinnamon, black pepper and a slight brininess mix with bittersweet chocolate chips, vanilla custard, brown sugar, burnt caramel and chocolate covered dark toffee with cashews. This is a deep, earthy bourbon with plenty of dry seasoned oak and the spicy haze of barrel char. While I don’t often pair my bourbon with food, I think this bourbon would elevate a prime rib, baked potato and steamed brussel sprout feast.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Solid and well blended A120 is creamy, yet gives the tongue a tickle when held in the mouth. In the Glencairn, long clinging legs break the liquid curtain to return the liquid into the flame colored pool, leaving many small droplets for an ill-defined crown.
FINISH:
Larceny Barrel Proof A120 finishes long, with lingering warmth. Memories of herbal wheat and plum fruit leather mix with pepper, cocoa and woody brown sugar as the oakiness and subdued spicy barrel char fade into earthy old leather. The sweet aromas sensed on the palate waft from the empty Glencairn, but the finish is far more earthy and has more charred oak.
MY RATING: 89/100
Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Larceny Barrel Proof releases will be limited to three offerings a year. I look forward to learning how each will compare and improve as the line matures.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 89/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Larceny.
WHISKEY TRAITS AND FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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