Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Heaven Hill. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Here is Larceny’s Barrel Proof batch C921, third batch of 2021, and reviews are up for both A121 and B521. I’ll explain the meaning of those batch numbers a bit later. For those that haven’t had the pleasure of trying Larceny, this is a wheated bourbon from Heaven Hill. Heaven Hill was founded in 1935 and produces brands such as Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna, J.W. Dant, and Old Fitzgerald, just to name a few.
While Larceny is relatively new, the history behind its predecessor, Old Fitzgerald, is a long one. John E. Fitzgerald began producing in 1870. Old Fitzgerald was one of the few whiskies able to sell product during prohibition for medical use. It was purchased by Pappy Van Winkle who changed the mash bill to include the wheat that gives Old Fitzgerald, and now Larceny, the smooth rounded flavor profile it has. It was produced in the Sitzel-Weller distillery until 1992. Production restarted in 1999 at the Bernheim Distillery, where both it and Larceny are still made today.
Larceny Barrel Proof is one of Heaven Hill’s wheated bourbons and has regularly received high marks from The Whiskey Wash. We have seen samples of each batch of barrel proof as it is released so I will try to keep the details short. Their barrel proof is released three times a year with a batch number detailing which release of the year it is, what month it is released, and what year it is from. This batch is C921, third batch of the year released in September 2021. It is a batch made of whiskey aged 6-8 years in new American Oak. This also uses the same mash bill as the highly renowned Old Fitzgerald of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley.
I think what really makes a good barrel proof whiskey shine is the versatility, and Larceny does not disappoint. This is smooth enough to drink neat, opens up really well when diluted, and is flavorful enough to make a lovely old-fashioned or highball. While each batch will be different, looking back at the reviews of previous batches, it seems that they will continue to be a quality wheated bourbon that is released often enough to be accessible. By the time this is published it will likely be a bit hard to find this particular batch, but the next batch should be getting released soon.
Tasting Notes: Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Vital Stats: Batch # C921, 61.3% ABV, mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. MSRP of $50 for 750ml.
Appearance: Rich amber hue with a hint of copper color. This really coats the glass with long legs and forms a second wave of even longer ones.
Nose: Caramel and cinnamon toast come to mind when smelling this. There is also something about this that reminds me of men’s cologne both from the strength and subtle complexity.
Palate: Just as thick as the appearance suggested. Far smoother than I would have expected from something of this proof. But at the same time, I think the proof is masking a lot of the flavor. There are very mild notes of caramel, cinnamon, and black pepper. The finish is light with a touch of oak and vanilla. I cut this down to about 40% ABV and got some lovely flavors from it. It’s like a cinnamon bun lightly drizzled with honey and caramel. The finish is still clean with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
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