Sipp’n Corn Tasting Notes: Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B521 and C921.

I continue to look forward to each of the three yearly releases of Larceny Barrel Proof.  The second release of 2021—B521—is a little higher in proof that A121, and the third release (C921) is slightly higher.  I remember that the first release of the year had distinct black pepper note that mellowed out with some air, so I’m interested to see how the next two are different.

Larceny Barrel Proof B521 Tasting Notes

Bourbon:        Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery:       Heaven Hill
Age:                NAS, but 6-8 years
ABV:              60.5% (121 proof)
Cost:               $49.99

Appearance:
Standard amber and squarely in the color range for the age (Heaven Hill’s new Bourbon Experience in Bardstown has a cool interactive exhibit that shows color profiles based on age).

Nose:
Savory spices with oak, but also with rich caramel for balance.

Taste:
Floral and spice are most prominent for an overall dry flavor, but it’s on a backdrop of caramel and maple syrup sweetness, which is really accentuated with a splash of water, bringing out creaminess that’s lacking at barrel strength.

Finish:
Crisp and dry on the finish, more than I usually get from Larceny, but a splash also sweetens and extends the warming finish.  There’s a really nice almond that appears on the finish too.

Larceny Barrel Proof C921 Tasting Notes

Bourbon:        Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery:       Heaven Hill
Age:                NAS, but 6-8 years
ABV:              61.3% (122.6 proof)
Cost:               $49.99

Appearance:
Also squarely on hue.

Nose:
Most oak of the three for 2021, with nougat, brown sugar, and the slightest black pepper and leather.  Really gorgeous.

Taste:
Sweet vanilla, maple syrup, chocolate covered cherries, and dark fruit dominate before oak fills in with a cocktail quality orange zest.

Finish:
Long and dominated by brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon during the fade.

Bottom Line

The three 2021 batches of Larceny Barrel Proof have shown the available variations and room for people to have their favorites.  With Batch A121, I thought it needed some air, with Batch B521, I thought that it needed a splash of water, and C921 I liked best neat—for me it was by far the best of the three.  Even though it was the last batch of 2021, it is probably showing up in many markets here in early 2022, so be on the lookout.  This is a very strong buy folks.

Disclaimer: The brand managers kindly
sent me samples for this review,
without any strings attached. 
Thank you.