In September 2012, Heaven Hill introduced the standard 92 proof Larceny to the market as “heir to the wheated bourbons that make up the historic Old Fitzgerald franchise.” Fast forward to 2020, Heaven Hill created a buzz when they released their Larceny Barrel Proof line. With multiple years of releases under Larceny Barrel Proof’s belt, the brand felt like it was destined to achieve greatness, but it always came up a little short. Sometimes the flavors were too restricted. Other times too unwieldy. And another time where it found balance, but lacked complexity. Even at its height, it still failed to truly WOW. Well, 2022 changed all of that, and while many whiskeys impressed us, none left as much of a lasting mark as Larceny Barrel Proof Batch C922.
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As you may have heard your parents tell you at some point in your life, “If at first if you don’t succeed, try, try again.” After three years and 9 batch releases later, the Larceny Barrel Proof brand has finally reached the height we always felt it was capable of. Larceny Barrel Proof Batch C922 was able to achieve this the good old-fashioned way, balance, complexity, and potency. It manages to tame its astringency and tannin notes that can plague high-proof wheaters, while contrasting them with sweet flavors all while keeping its oaky side intact.

This is more impressive when you realize just how hard it can be for wheated bourbons to stand out. The softer gentler grain compared to the more predominantly used rye grain has a hard time not getting shoved to the side. In addition, American malts really came into focus this year, and brought another dynamic flavor profile for wheated bourbons to compete against. Yet Larceny Barrel Proof Batch C922 held its own and reminded us that wheat may be the gentler grain, but that doesn’t mean it can’t produce a knockout pour.

Coming in at 126.6 proof, Batch C922 is the highest proof release for the brand to date, and with it, brings a concentration of flavors. Maintaining its 6-8 year age, Heaven Hill delivered a mature-tasting bourbon that still manages to have a bit of a spring in its step. And with a flavor profile steeped in oaky caramel, cinnamon spice, nutmeg, brown sugar, graham cracker, and syrup-soaked french toast, it's hard to go wrong.

Ultimately, the bind that holds all of it together is how well-rounded it is. It’s perhaps the first thing you notice after taking a sip. Larceny Barrel Proof Batch C922 is a bourbon that immediately makes a statement; amazing bourbon can be had by all and at an affordable price. Batch C922 is a bourbon that will define the series going forward and deserves to be experienced by all whiskey lovers.

‍Larceny Barrel Proof Batch C922 is a special bourbon that kept wowing us every time we went back to it and compared it to other top whiskeys, and why we ultimately named it our #1 Whiskey of 2022.
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