Review #433 - Larceny Barrel Proof Batch C923
The wheated bourbon sibling of Heaven Hill's Elijah Craig Barrel Proof - this is Larceny Barrel proof. A relatively new product (first released in 2020), batches are released 3 times each year, similar to the Elijah Craig line. Here, we're looking at the third release from 2023, called 'C923.'
The mashbill used for these Larceny releases is 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. While the distillery doesn't specify an age, the barrel proof version is generally believed to spend 6 to 8 years in the barrel before bottling; for this batch, that bottling strength is a hefty 63.2% ABV (126.4 proof).
Larceny Barrel Proof Batch C923
USA - Bourbon
Current Locally Available Price: USD 70 (2024)
Age Statement: NAS
Strength: 63.2% ABV
Details: Not chill filtered; batch C923
Tasting Methodology: Reviewed 1 time; bottle 90% fill level at time of review. Tasted in a Glencairn glass, rested 10-15 minutes
Nose: Caramel and oak to start - a mix of sweet and dry. A bit of a nutty note develops - peanut brittle, specifically - and there's a bit of vanilla, as well. The oak takes on a dusty character; with time, it seems more dry.
Palate: A medium-thick mouthfeel, quite hot - this drinks at least at its proof point. Spirit heat and oak tannins combine for a spicy experience, though there's also brown sugar and caramel on the second sip, adding some sweet balance. Nutmeg brings a baking note to the table.
Finish: Warming, with plenty of oak lingering - cinnamon arrives, too. It slowly becomes sweeter into the aftertaste, and there's a nice velvety texture. The finish has a medium length.
Final Note: This is a solid wheated bourbon - a little straightforward, but good strength and potency of flavors. Lots of classic subtle bourbon notes, especially oak and soft baking spice; some time in the glass also helped this open up quite a bit, as some of the more volatile parts of that high alcohol content began to evaporate away.
Value is decent, too. These Larceny Barrel Proof batches, along with their Elijah Craig counterparts, are some of the more reasonably priced barrel proof bourbons available from a heritage distillery. These are generally worth a gamble, especially if you prefer wheated bourbon to ryed bourbon.
Our Average Rating: 7.0 / 10
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
Value Rating: 6.79
About Us: We're a husband and wife review team living in the Midwest United States. Generally, our reviews and tasting notes will be a compilation of both of our experiences with a whisky over several tasting sessions.
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