[Multiple tasting notes combined in this review] Larceny Barel Proof A121 has a beautiful golden caramel color that shimmers flawlessly in the correct whiskey glass. As with all higher proof Bourbons, I will pour a little bit and let it sit for a while before taking the first sip. The aroma typically reveals itself better after a few minutes of sitting in the glass.
On the neck pour, the nose had a strong ethanol smell. The first sip I took was hot! Too hot, so I let it sit. However, on future tastings, the nose became more developed and elegant.
After many minutes, I finally got the traditional bourbon notes (caramel, vanilla, some fruitiness) coming through on the nose during the neck pour. Then, right back to ethanol smell. On subsequent tastings, the ethanol is not prominent.
There is a beautiful sweet oakiness on the palate with some nuttiness and spice. Give this Bourbon time to open up, and you will be shocked at the difference. This review grades Larceny Barel Proof A121 on the experience past the neck.
Third or Fourth Pours
Larceny Barel Proof A121 is great and has catapulted to one of my favorite experiences of 2021. It's hot, spicy-sweet, rich, and flavorful. While it is not the most complex bourbon in the world, it does what it does well. It's a fantastic wheated Bourbon! I performed a non-blind taste test between Larceny Barrell Proof A121, Belle Meade Maderia, and Barrell Bourbon Batch 26. I know these profiles are all over the place, but Larceny easily won.