The first Larceny Barrel Proof of 2023 rolled off the production line in late January and hit the shelves soon after. This is the first time that the Kentucky distillery has released a barrel strength wheated bourbon under their own brand name. Though Larceny itself debuted in 2012 and is still available as a 92 proof option, this is the first time that Heaven Hill has stepped up the proof to make a cask strength version of their wheated bourbon.
This particular release is from Batch A121, coming in at a proof of 114.8. This is a little lower than the three releases from 2020, all of which ranged between 122-123 proof.
Traditionally bottled at 92 proof, Larceny Barrel Proof is a blend of bourbons aged 6 to 8 years and sourced from the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors of Heaven Hill’s open rick warehouses in Nelson County, KY. The brand pays homage to the historic Old Fitzgerald franchise that Heaven Hill acquired in 1999. Larceny uses wheat in place of rye in their mashbill to replace the spicier, fruitier flavor notes that rye would normally provide and to help round out the overall character of the bourbon.
Racy and brisk on the nose, this one opens with fresh elements of black pepper, coffee, and a healthy scattering of cinnamon. A splash of water helps coax out more character as well, making room for a hearty core of caramel. With a touch of heat, this proves to be one of the more unique Larceny Barrel Proof releases thus far.
