Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A121

Neat. Neck pour. I am not a big fan of Larceny. The only barrel proof I have had is A120, and that was okay. Sometimes it’s just too much emphasis on the cinnamon and spice for me, just off putting. But I saw this at MSRP, and it’s just hard to resist. Much like ECBP last year, each new batch is a chance for something magical. The nose is right in Larcency’s range. Candied walnuts, covered in sugar and cinnamon. Nice, soft wheat, once again though like wheat toast covered in sugar and cinnamon. Doused in powdered sugar as well. There is a nice fruit on this nose too. Medley of berries. Sounds like a pretty killer cheat meal honestly... On the nose, much better than A120. So trending in the right direction. Very creamy and soft up front. Again, sugar and cinnamon light up the tongue. A very nice, soft vanilla escalates into a nice butterscotch but then really takes a turn into the cinnamon and spice. So spicy, like peppery, mixed with an hit of cinnamon. It’s a spice bomb. Tell you what though... every subsequent sips gets better. The spice is less aggressive and the sweetness is coming out. The finish is morphing into this maple syrup. Oh I got it. If you have had chicken and waffles, they cover it in hot sauce and maple syrup. The finish hits me there. That’s an interesting tasting note. Never pulled that out before. So, I am going to be interested to see what people have to say about this batch. I think the spice will be a turn off if you don’t take the time to get acclimated to the spiciness and find the sweetness. I like it quite a bit though. Not in the ECBP range of awesome at all but at MSRP this is a great bottle to enjoy during the cold months.

Drinking this neat, neck pour. This is my first tasting experience of a Larceny BP. I’ve had their regular offerings and it’s very unimpressive so I’ve been a bit skeptical that the extra proof would get it there. No regrets on the purchase. Note for the collectors out there, it’s frustrating bottles like this are considered “rare” finds these days. I love the hunt as much as the next guy but the value of finding one of these bottles just seems unwarranted. It’s a good bottle, but damn, it shouldn’t be harder to find than ECBP. The nose is one of wholesome peanut butter wrapped caramel apple. It trails off to corn syrup or cotton candy. The deeper dive finds strawberry shortcake or even an apple toaster strudel. The mouth is rather light bodied for a BP, we’re just around 115proof and this is around where I find those delicious milk chocolate notes. More corn but instead it’s buttery popcorn. There also is a subtle citrus continuation from the apple nose, spice level is a balanced allspice. The finish is char and natural scents. Not too long, but pleasant. I think this is solid pour, but it doesn’t rise to the level of BPs that I’ve been giving 4+ ratings. It’s a bit of a shame due to the hype around this bottle, I’ll have to give it another go in a couple weeks to see if I’ve changed my mind on it. Cheers!

Ok, its cold out...time to pull down some dusties and see if I can get in a few ratings before the end of 2022...considering I have five of these LBP bottles on the shelf, and have rated zero, let's get cracking. A121...which I purchased somewhat reluctantly as I have not been a huge fan of Larceny 'standard', was a pleasant surprise. The nose needs a bit of glass time, and water does some wonders, as the ethanol is quite intense, even for the proof. A bit of patience and dihydrogen monoxide brings out some bold fruit notes (orange seems to be the most dominant for me), spice, and some pretty bold oak. The flavor is kind of muted at first with a lot of oak and almost a sawdust like quality...some cereal/oatmeal feel, but the water also helped a lot here. Orange and vanilla come through quickly after a few drops, though the wood remains present. More caramel starts to emerge as well. Having enjoyed 3 of the 5 bottles, I can say this is my least favorite thus far, but was still good enough to continue to buy future renditions when I saw them at MSRP. A great value bottle (assuming no gouging)...solid pour for those cold, early winter nights!

🥃 - Larceny Barrel Proof Proof - 114.8 / 57.4% Color - Light Gold Nose - Oak, spice, cherry, some nuttiness Flavors - Oak, peanut brittle, honey, spice, finish turns to caramel and heat Sweetness - 3 / 10 Definitely a more earthy bourbon not as sweet as I prefer Dryness - 2 / 10 This has a really full oily mouth feel. Burn - 6 / 10 I wouldn’t call it hot, but it’s definitely warm. A nice even warm enveloping hug. Bud’s rating - 6.75 / 10 This is a solid barrel proof offering. I wouldn’t say this is a run for the hills must have but definitely a fine sipper and one I would enjoy having regularly at its price point. Another great barrel proof. I’m finding I really enjoy the higher proof offerings. This is a great sipper at $49 a bottle and a solid option for anyone looking for higher proof but not over bearing on heat or alcohol. I would definitely recommend this especially if you like an earthier flavored bourbon.

Nose: I usually don’t say this but, don’t breath in to deep or you might burn your nostrils. There is a good nose but a little to harsh to be pleasant. Pallet: Not as complex as I would have thought with the 115 proof. The overall pallet is smoother than expected with hints of caramel, spice and everything nice. If you like a pour with spice this is for you. Finish: There is a good heat but not to much spice, just get a warm cinnamon. Next time I’ll have to try it with a drop of water to see what else opens up and need to compare this against the Elijah Craig barrel proof. I’m not a huge Larceny fan neat but do enjoy it when a Coke, not ready to do that yet but it might be rather good but would need a acquire another bottle before I tried that.

Been sitting on this one for a year and a half. Got lost in my unopened bottle cabinet. Finally opened it and was pleasantly surprised. Nose is french toast, apple butter, nutmeg and a hint of clove. Alcohol fills the nostrils as well. The palate follows through and is very sweet. I get apples, allspice, powdered sugar, cookie dough, and maybe some almond paste. The finish brings on strong spice which lingers. Ice eases the edges on the spices and let's the fruit come through. A very nice version, better than most.