The Heaven Hill barrel proof parade doesn’t slow down. It’s a new year, so that means it’s time for a fresh batch of Larceny Barrel Proof, the high-test version of this now-classic wheated bourbon.

Racy and brisk on the nose, Larceny A123 sees immediate elements of fresh black pepper, coffee, and a cinnamon note — all classic parts of the Larceny Barrel Proof experience. Water helps coax out more character — as tends always to be the case with these whiskeys — making room for the sweeter caramel core to expose itself.

The palate’s got a solid blast of that caramel, well-spiced here, moving to notes of chocolate, coffee bean and a healthy scattering of baking spices, before a healthy note of butterscotch comes into focus. Notes of banana with caramel sauce pair well with the hearty vanilla core. There’s not much fruit in the mix, but this whiskey doesn’t need it. I think it’s one of the best Larceny Barrel Proofs to date — though mind the need for a healthy splash of water for the spirit to really show its charms.

125.8 proof.

A / $80 [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A123 (January 2023)

$80

9.5

Rating

9.5/10

BUY IT NOW