Following in the footsteps of the ECBP, today’s bourbon review is the Larceny Barrel Proof. Like the ECBP this is a full cask strength release of the Larceny Bourbon (whose review needs to be updated), but unlike the ECBP it’s not aged for 12 years. If you want to get close to that check out the Rebel Yell 10 Years.
I enjoy the regular Larceny Bourbon and I was excited to hear about this being released and viewed it much like the Maker’s Mark Cask Strength release: a chance to try this flavorful whiskey at full cask strength AND non-chill filtered. Tastebuds get ready because here we go!
Larceny Barrel Proof Review: Details and Tasting Notes
In Heaven Hill’s Words:
“Steal a taste of Bourbon the same way John E. Fitzgerald did: uncut, non-chill filtered & straight from the barrel. Set to be released three times a year in January, May & September, each Small Batch of Larceny Barrel Proof is aged six to eight years and varies by proof. Unlock the bolder flavor of our celebrated wheated Bourbon.”
Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Heaven Hill Distillery https://thewhiskeyjug.com/distilleries/heaven-hill-distillery-history-mash-bills-and-more/
Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 6+ years (6-8)
ABV: 61.6%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Batch: A120
Price: $50*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Polished oak
NOSE
Oak driven profile with bits of caramel, char, vanilla, baking spice, cocoa, and dark fruit with touches of leather and machine oil.
PALATE
Dried dark fruit and nuts dominate with pockets of oak, caramel, cola spice, cocoa, citrus zest and some menthol.
FINISH
Medium -> Trail mix fades to dry oak.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
A bit unbalanced, med-full body and a dry feel.
Larceny Barrel Proof Review: Overall and Score
Aroma is heavily oaked and I’m oddly not loving it or the way all the other darkly sweet, fruity and spicy notes float under it; Palate comes together in a way that makes me think of alcoholic trail mix; Finish dissipates quickly moving from trail mix to dry oak. It’s not knocking my socks off, but it is perfectly enjoyable, and I’m a tad sad about that…
On paper, I should be immediately drawn to this, but I’m not. I love a massive oaky profile, but there needs to be more coming along with that oak and in this batch (A120) it’s just not quite there. Other notes do arrive and get layered in, but they don’t make enough of an impact to fully punch through.
Adding water to the Larceny Barrel Proof brings out a bit more cocoa and spice on the aroma, but the oak still sits incredibly heavy – stifling the other notes. On the palate, water brings out a smidge more cocoa and vanilla but on the whole everything, except the oak, stays rather muted.
SCORE: 3/5
*Disclosure: The bottle for this bourbon review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Larceny Barrel Proof Review $50
Overall
3- Nose (3)
- Palate (3)
- Finish (3)
- BBF (3)
User Review
0 (0 votes) Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)Larceny Barrel Proof Review Summary
I love the concept, I love that this is a new addition to the lineup and I love that they’re doing it in batched releases like the ECBP, but this first release doesn’t quite knock it out of the park. It’s decent, but it doesn’t feel too much better than the regular.
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