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Larceny Bourbon Bottle Review: In-Depth Guide For 2024

Larceny Bourbon Review

Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin

As we continue our bourbon journey, we’ve come across wheated bourbons, and little did we know that the iconic Old Fitzgerald is related to Larceny. 

Since we’re impressed with how the Old Fitz delivers, we’ve tried Larceny as well, and surprisingly it’s quite good, too. 

If you haven’t tried or have second thoughts about this spirit, here’s our realistic Larceny bourbon review so you can decide if it’s a pass or not. 

In-Depth Review On Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a wheated bourbon competing with other wheaters such as Weller Special Reserve and Maker’s Mark. 

It’s a delightful blend of sweetness and refined characteristics and is perfect for various dishes.

Its smooth and refreshing taste and texture, with the scent of sweet cherries, make it one of the most enjoyable sipping spirits around. 

Although there’s no age statement, Heaven Hill claims that it’s aged in barrels that are six to 12 years old, which makes it similar to Maker’s Mark.

Sadly, this bourbon didn’t get much attention from fanatics, despite its association with big names, especially the Old Fitzgerald (Larceny’s matured version). 

Quick Facts

DistilleryHeaven Hill
Bourbon TypeSmall Batch
Barrel Proof92
Barrel Char#3
Mash BillWheated Mash (68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley
AgeNAS
Average PriceApprox. $24.99/750ml

How It’s Made 

Distillery Equipment

Larceny bourbon used wheat instead of rye as its secondary grain, sourced from local farms. It will be fermented using limestone water from Kentucky. 

After the distillation, it’s aged in barrels inside open-air rickhouses. These structures expose the barrels to varying temperature changes, affecting Larceny’s flavors and proof.

The master distillers select barrels from 55 rickhouses across six different sites, which blend together to create a unique flavor profile.

Fun Fact: This is how John E. Fitzgerald, a treasury agent, used to create the “Old Fitzgerald,” which was first produced in 1870. 

Mash Bill

Larceny is a wheated whiskey, and its mash contains 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley.  

Age & Alcohol Content 

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Bottle and a glass on wooden barrel

Larceny small batch has no age statement, but as per the website, this is a blend of 6-12-year-old barrels. 

The Larceny small batch wheated bourbon from Larceny is 92 proof or 46% ABV [1]. But the barrel-proof version is 126.6 proof [2] or 63.3% ABV. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: On the nose has a deep bourbon aroma with an interesting blend of nougat, sweet caramel, and a hint of oak 

Palate: Kick of alcohol on the first sip with a rich taste and mouthfeel. The caramel sweetness is still there, along with the hints of vanilla, molasses, cinnamon, and ginger.  

Color: Bright new copper

Finish: Sweet and savory with a nice warmth and long finish 

Balance, Body & Feel: Larceny bourbon is well-blended– oily, sweet, smooth, and dense. A crown forms as the clinging liquid from the Glencairn glass flows back into the pool.

Ownership & Distillery

Heaven Hill Distillery

Larceny bourbon is owned by the Heaven Hill Distillery, Inc., home to the legendary Old Fitzgerald. It is crafted from their own Heaven Hill distillery.     

Common Larceny Bourbon Price 

TypeSizeAlcohol ProofAverage Price
Larceny Bourbon750ml 92-proof$24.99

This bourbon costs $24.99 per 750ml bottle (MSRP). But it may vary among liquor stores and can go up to $27 or more. 

This is a decent price, quite reasonable for Larceny offers. And it’s affordable.  

Compared To Other Bourbons 

Bulleit Bourbon

  • Bulleit is a well-recognized bottle compared to Larceny bourbon.
  • They’re from different categories, as Bulleit is a high rye bourbon while Larceny is a wheated bourbon. 

“I find wheated bourbons to be more rounded and softer compared to those with rye.”

— Fred Minnick, Author 
  • Both came from Kentucky distilleries and non-age statement whiskeys. 
  • If you’re into rye whiskey, opt for Bulleit, but if you’re into wheats, go for Larceny.  

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky

Hand Holding Bottle of Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky
  • Larceny bourbon contains 46% ABV, while Makers Mark contains 45% ABV.
  • Compared to the MM, a more basic entry-level release, the Larceny is a more flavorful and rich Kentucky Bourbon.
  • The Larceny Small Batch is a more robust and flavorful drink that many can enjoy with a bit of water in Glencairn glasses. 

Evan Williams Bourbon

  • Both whiskeys are crafted from Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown, KY, along with the other well-known bourbons like Pikesville, Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna, etc.
  • The Larceny is a great value for money bourbon, as it’s not only very good wheated bourbon, but it’s also very rare to find this type of product at this price range.
  • However, Evan Williams is a better mixer for cocktails, especially with Coke, due to its nice warmth, flavor, and price point cheaper than Larceny. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Larceny a good bourbon?

Larceny is widely regarded as a good bourbon, appreciated for its smoothness, approachable flavor profile, and reasonable price point.

Crafted by Heaven Hill Distillery, Larceny has earned positive reviews from whiskey enthusiasts for its balance of sweetness, spice, and a hint of nuttiness, making it an appealing choice for those exploring quality bourbons.

Is Larceny bourbon top shelf?

While Larceny is not typically classified as a top-shelf bourbon, it offers an impressive balance of quality and affordability.

Positioned in the mid-range price category, Larceny competes favorably with more expensive options, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality bourbon without the premium price tag often associated with top-shelf selections.

Is Larceny a good sipping whiskey?

Larceny is indeed a good sipping whiskey, appreciated for its smooth and approachable character.

With notes of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of spice, Larceny provides a pleasant sipping experience that is both enjoyable for newcomers to bourbon and satisfying for seasoned whiskey enthusiasts.

Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

What is Larceny bourbon similar to?

Larceny bourbon shares similarities with other wheated bourbons, particularly those in the same price range.

Its wheated mash bill places it in the company of bourbons like Maker’s Mark and W.L. Weller.

Larceny’s flavor profile, with its emphasis on sweetness and a smooth finish, aligns with the characteristics often found in wheated bourbons, making it a suitable alternative for those who appreciate this style of whiskey.

Does Larceny bourbon have sugar?

Larceny bourbon, like most straight bourbons, does not contain added sugars.

The sweetness in bourbon comes from the natural sugars present in the grains used during the fermentation process.

Larceny’s flavor profile, which includes notes of caramel and vanilla, is a result of the interaction between the grains, yeast, and the charred oak barrels during aging, without the need for additional sweeteners.

Why is Larceny bourbon hard to find?

Larceny bourbon’s scarcity in certain markets or at specific times can be attributed to its popularity and demand.

As word of its quality and value spreads, more consumers seek out Larceny, leading to increased competition for available bottles.

Limited production runs and distribution challenges may contribute to shortages in certain regions, creating a perception of rarity and making Larceny bourbon a sought-after and occasionally hard-to-find spirit.

Is Larceny bourbon sweet?

Yes, Larceny bourbon is known for its sweet flavor profile.

With prominent notes of caramel, toffee, and vanilla, it offers a smooth and approachable sweetness that makes it appealing to those who enjoy bourbons with a more dessert-like quality.

The balance of sweetness in Larceny contributes to its overall pleasant sipping experience.

Is Larceny smooth?

Larceny bourbon is recognized for its smooth and mellow character.

The absence of harsh or overpowering elements, coupled with the wheated mash bill, results in a bourbon that goes down easily.

The smoothness of Larceny makes it an excellent choice for sipping neat or on the rocks, providing a enjoyable and well-rounded drinking experience.

Is Larceny bourbon the same as Old Fitzgerald?

Larceny and Old Fitzgerald are distinct bourbon brands, both produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, but they are not the same.

While they share the wheated mash bill characteristic, which imparts a smooth and sweet profile, Larceny and Old Fitzgerald have different expressions and flavor profiles.

Larceny is positioned as a mid-range bourbon with a focus on accessibility and quality, whereas Old Fitzgerald often includes older, more limited releases that cater to collectors and enthusiasts.

What bourbon is John Wick drinking?

In the John Wick film series, the titular character, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, is often seen drinking Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon. Blanton’s is a well-regarded bourbon known for its distinctive bottle shape and high-quality, single-barrel expression.

The choice of Blanton’s for John Wick’s character adds a touch of sophistication and conveys a preference for premium bourbons.

Why are bourbons cheap?

The pricing of bourbons can vary widely, and some are considered affordable due to factors such as production scale, sourcing, and aging methods. Bourbons that are mass-produced or use younger aging processes may be more cost-effective to produce, leading to lower retail prices.

Additionally, bourbons produced by larger distilleries with efficient production systems can benefit from economies of scale, contributing to affordability.

However, it’s essential to note that there are also premium and rare bourbons that command higher prices, reflecting factors like limited availability, unique aging techniques, and exceptional craftsmanship.

The affordability of some bourbons makes them accessible to a broad range of consumers, catering to different tastes and budgets within the diverse landscape of the bourbon market.

How long is Larceny bourbon aged?

Larceny bourbon is aged for a period of six years, allowing it to develop a balanced and mature flavor profile.

This aging process imparts depth and complexity to the bourbon, contributing to its smoothness and the harmonious interplay of flavors.

What bourbon is similar to Larceny?

Bourbons with a wheated mash bill similar to Larceny include W.L. Weller and Maker’s Mark.

These bourbons share a common emphasis on a smooth and slightly sweet profile due to the use of wheat as a secondary grain, providing alternatives for those who enjoy Larceny’s distinctive flavor characteristics.

Which is sweeter, bourbon or Scotch?

Generally, bourbon tends to be sweeter than Scotch whisky. This distinction arises from the grains used in production and the aging process.

Bourbon, made primarily from corn, often exhibits a sweeter profile with notes of caramel and vanilla. In contrast, Scotch whisky, made from malted barley and aged in used barrels, tends to showcase a wider range of flavors, including peaty, smoky, and malty notes, with sweetness typically taking a subtler role.

Who is Larceny bourbon made by?

Larceny bourbon is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, a renowned Kentucky-based distillery with a rich history dating back to 1935.

Heaven Hill is known for its commitment to crafting a diverse range of high-quality whiskies, and Larceny is a testament to their dedication to producing approachable and flavorful bourbons.

What is the story behind Larceny whiskey?

Larceny bourbon is named after the infamous criminal, John E. Fitzgerald, who was a treasury agent with a penchant for pilfering whiskey from bonded warehouses. Known as “Old Fitzgerald,” his crimes earned him the nickname “Larceny” Fitzgerald.

The brand pays homage to this rebellious figure by offering a bourbon crafted with a wheated mash bill, creating a smooth and mellow spirit.

The story adds a layer of intrigue to Larceny, connecting it to the history of whiskey-making in the United States and celebrating the daring legacy of its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald.

The brand’s narrative, coupled with the quality of the bourbon, contributes to the unique and memorable identity of Larceny whiskey.

Final Verdict: Larceny Bourbon Review

Based on our bourbon review, Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a simple yet good sipping whiskey, filled with an interesting nose and taste of nice flavors, followed by a smooth, long finish. 

When ranking the best wheated bourbons, Larceny is a prime candidate, which reminds us of the Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheated Mash. 

For anyone looking for a good bottle of bourbon without the high cost, Larceny is worth giving a try.

It’s an underrated bourbon when in fact, it delivers the kind of “experience” anyone would want for a spirit (minus the rye spice).   

References:

  1. How Do You Measure the Percentage of Alcohol in Beer, Wine and Other Beverages?
  2. Why Is Alcohol Measured by Proof?
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