Whiskey Review: Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A123

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. 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 in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.

The Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon comes from the behemoth Heaven Hill Distillery, located in Louisville, Kentucky. A distillery which produces 1,300 barrels a day and has over 20 brands of bourbon. The distillery was founded by the Shapira brothers and others in 1935. It has had a long history of association of Beam family members, until within the last decade, overseeing the distillation process from the advent of the company. Most notably Earl Beam, who signed on in 1946 and spent 29 years as Master Distiller while expanding operations to meet the distillery’s steady growth.

The distillery experienced a major setback in 1996 when a lightning strike set fire to a warehouse containing 90,000 barrels of aging whiskey. But Heaven Hill persevered, and today it is a major force in the American spirits industry.

The Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon is one of Heaven Hill’s small batch releases. This version I’m reviewing, Batch A123, is the first edition of its release for this year, and one can expect to see subsequent releases in the near future coming in May and September.

Heaven Hill is, by most standards, a traditional Kentucky Bourbon distillery that still uses the same methods that they began using back in the 30’s. They use a sour mash method, meaning they recycle day old mash into their new runs in order to keep a uniform flavor profile while also helping to kill any outside bacteria that may negatively affect the flavor during fermentation. The Larceny Barrel Proof Whiskey is a high wheat bourbon, meaning wheat is the second highest amount of grain used in the mash bill after the traditional corn (68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley). It is aged six to eight years and bottled at a cask strength of 125.8 proof.

We review Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A123, the first cask strength offering of this whiskey for 2023. (image via Heaven Hill)

 Tasting Notes: Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A123

 Vital Stats: 62.9% ABV/125.8 Proof. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted Barley. Aged 6-8 years in new, charred oak barrels.

Appearance: Light golden

Nose: Vanilla and molasses come through for me on the nose, with almost a hint of cinnamon without any of the kick. There is also a bit of an alcohol burn, which should be expected on anything that is barrel proof.

Palate: There is graham cracker, with just a hint of char to it. Of course the sweetness of the bourbon comes though, but because of the high ABV there is definitely a kick to the after taste that adds a bit of spice.