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Heaven Hill continues its never-ending quest to ensure that every single product in their portfolio has an offshoot falling into one of the following seven categories. They are:
- Low Proof Small Batch
- Barrel Proof Small Batch
- Low Proof Single Barrel
- Barrel Proof Single Barrel
- Low Proof Toasted Finish Small Batch
- Barrel Proof Toasted Finish Small Batch
- Barrel Proof Toasted Finish Single Barrel
If you don’t believe me, just look at the trajectories of Elijah Craig, Bernheim Wheat Whiskey and Larceny (and heck, maybe even Rittenhouse). With the release of a Barrel Proof Single Barrel version of Larceny, it’s now at the halfway point of its ultimate destiny.
Barrel Proof picks of Larceny – Haven’t we seen these before?
First, a fun little fact about Larceny Barrel Proof Single Barrels – this isn’t the first time they’ve been a thing. Back in 2018 and 2019 Heaven Hill had distributed a limited amount (I’m talking 2 or 3 barrels) around Kentucky retailers and their gift shops for to the Kentucky Derby. It was truly a “blink and you’ll miss it” release where 99% of enthusiasts never knew they existed. Barely anyone talked about them – except for me. And for the record, I did find it worth talking about. That single barrel had flavors that I had not experienced in a Larceny or any Heaven Hill wheated bourbon. If anything made me excited for the future of Larceny, it was that single barrel.
After the release of Larceny Barrel Proof batches, I found the excitement to fizzle out. Heaven Hill’s wheated bourbon just couldn’t reach the heights of Buffalo Trace’s. There was too much heat and barrel influence. Even the Old Fitz decanters have been mostly average – nowhere near their MSRP or limited availability. This is why all Heaven Hill’s wheated bourbon I own remains relegated to the back of the shelf in my whiskey cabinet.
Heaven Hill expands the single barrel program to include Larceny
Throughout 2024, consumers and distillers alike could feel the great bourbon explosion start to die down. Sales were down and enthusiasts everywhere were buying less. Heaven Hill’s approach to combat this was to diversify every label with offshoots that had a new characteristic to them. Toasted barrels and barrel proof options began to emerge across various labels and their single barrel program expanded to include more selection. I remember going on my first barrel pick to Heaven Hill in 2019 and the only thing we could choose from was the 94 proof version of Elijah Craig. Fast forward to 2025 and you can now pick a barrel from at least 6 different label variations (likely more if I miscounted). What a time to be alive!
One of the earliest groups/stores to get in on a pick of Larceny Barrel Proof was local Indianapolis whiskey group “Naptown Bourbon Club” who co-picked a barrel with Parks Place Pub. The barrel they landed on was aged for 8 years in Warehouse H2 (located on the main Heaven Hill Campus) and came in at 114.6 proof. This is interesting because I was under the impression that batched Larceny wasn’t aged over 7 years, so it’s good to know it continues to climb. Based on other picks I’ve been seeing around the internet, these single barrels also come as young as 6-years-old.
I’m also interested in the proof and how it managed to lose 10 points over the last 8 years (HH wheated bourbon has a barrel entry proof of 125). This must be the result of lower temps the closer you get to the ground. The front label tells us that it was plucked off of Floor 3 (likely out of 7 total floors). But 114.6 is nothing to sneeze at and most enthusiasts would prefer it this way.
All of this leads us to the main reason you came here – how does it taste? Luckily for me, my generous buddy Brad was able to swipe one recently. Let’s see how it tastes. I sampled this neat in a glencairn.
Tasting Notes
Nose: A really pleasant aroma of a creamy vanilla latte rises from my glass. There are brown spices (cinnamon) that come along with it. Caramel sauce scents and a soft touch of oak also can be found.
Palate: The initial spice of the dram reminds me of brown baking spices coupled with green peppercorns. There is an overarching sweetness that is equal parts toffee and sweet cream. Hidden behind these flavors is a slight nuttiness that I typically find in Heaven Hill products. A bit of flaxseed oil combines with a little bit of floral characteristics. That’s an odd note to find in a wheated bourbon, let alone one from Heaven Hill. The oak and baker’s chocolate give some clue as to the age or the fact it was aged in a new oak barrel. I’m saying this because I think it does taste slightly older than its age statement (more like 10 years old). Fruit notes are mostly absent aside from the passing orchard fruit or cherry flavor. Regardless, it’s much less than I’d find in a Weller or Maker’s Mark product.
Finish: Sweet, creamy and oaky notes rest on my tongue after the sip is complete. The lingering baking spice notes create a slight heat, but levels up the residual flavors. I like the finish on this and consider it along the lines of a classic bourbon. Not much complexity, but a lot of pleasant, core flavors remain. It’s nice.
Score: 7.9/10
There was a lot to like in this single barrel of Larceny. It delivered a flavorful experience full of spice, tannins and sweet treats. It was easy to drink yet commanded your attention with its significant (but not overwhelming) proof. I genuinely enjoyed everything about this bottle, and at just 8 years old, it actually came off a little bit more mature than its age would suggest.
One thing I want to point out is that Heaven Hill seems to be (deliberately or not) putting barrels in its single barrel program where the proof is higher for the younger barrels and lower for older barrels. I noticed the same trend with Elijah Craig picks. So if you’re after more of a “diamond-in-the-rough” barrel pick, be on the look out for high proof, 8 year old single barrels – something over 125 proof. I’m not sure they exist, but if you see one, it’s an instant buy.
Final Thoughts
Based on what I tasted, I think that everyone should take the gamble on buying at least one single barrel of Larceny BP if they can find it. As always, be choosy in who picks your single barrel. I’m sure there is some variation among them, but a consistent palate from a reputable group/store should be able to pick one that will please you. A special shout out to the guys and gals over at Naptown Bourbon Club and Parks Place Pub for choosing a great single barrel. I’ll be sure to look out for future releases from them.