Whiskey Review: Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C923

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. 

Heaven Hill Distillery recently released Batch C923, the third edition of Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon for 2023. This marks the final release of this year for this award winning expression from Heaven Hill Distillery. 

Bottled straight from the barrel at 126.4 proof, Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C923 is aged six to eight years. This non-chill filtered, uncut small batch Kentucky bourbon whiskey consists of a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley and is available nationwide with an MSRP of $59.99 for a 750 ML bottle. 

Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery, located in the historic downtown Louisville, Kentucky, is said to be the world’s largest independent, family-owned bourbon distillery. Producing 1,300 barrels a day, Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery claims to have the most productive bourbon distilling operation with the second largest inventory of aging whiskey in the world. 

The company’s first plant, the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, located in nearby Bardstown, was cofounded in 1935 by the Shapira brothers. Unfortunately, the original distillery was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1996, resulting in the loss of 90,000 gallons of aging whiskey and an overall $30 million loss for the brand. Thankfully, no lives were lost and no injuries were reported. 

The name Heaven Hill comes from William Heavenhill who owned the land the first distillery was built on. The separation of Heavenhill’s last name to Heaven Hill was the result of a typographical error on paperwork sent to state officials in Frankfort. It would have cost $10 to change the error, so the company chose to keep the name instead of paying the fee. 

Since the very beginning, Heaven Hill has worked with members of the Beam family (though not directly tied to Jim Beam operations) to set the standard of production as established by Joe Shapira and Harry Beam in 1935. In 1946, Earl Beam was hired as Heaven Hill’s master distiller, working nearly three decades to firmly establish Heaven Hill’s legacy. 

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Some other awards and accolades earned by Heaven Hill Distillery’s Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbons include earning 98 points in the Bourbon Trophy category of the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition, 93 points in the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and Double Gold in the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

Larceny Barrel Proof C923 review
We review Larceny Barrel Proof C923, a cask strength, high wheat bourbon from Heaven Hill that’s aged six to eight years and bottled at 126.4 proof. (image via Heaven Hill)

Tasting Notes: Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C923

Vital Stats: 126.4 proof (63.2 ABV), mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% barley, 750 ML bottle MSRP $59.99. 

Appearance: Russet/Muscat.

Nose: An endless array of aromas on the nose including cinnamon apple, spice, green peppercorn, vanilla, red fruits, ginger root, tobacco, and toasted oats. 

Palate: The palate brings some intense heat packed with robust flavors of spice, vanilla, citrus, black clove, dark fruit, sawdust, and leather. 

Jennifer Williams

Jennifer Williams honed her appreciation for patrons with a discerning taste for fine whiskey during her 15-year tenure as a bartender in Dallas, Texas. Since relocating to Portland, Oregon in 2019, she graduated from Portland State University with a major in English Literature and a minor in Writing. During her final term at PSU, Jennifer served as the Arts & Culture editor for the university's monthly magazine, The Pacific Sentinel. A voracious reader, outdoor runner, and aspiring photographer, Jennifer also harbors a deep love for classic jazz. She always welcomes the opportunity to share a whiskey and engaging conversation with both her cherished friends from Texas and the many new companions she's made since settling in Oregon.

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