Cinnamon | Allspice | Walnut | Toasted oak

Pretzel dough | Clove | Cinnamon stick | Burnt brown sugar | Honey | Walnut | Heat on the backend

Cinnamon | Baking spices | Toffee | Nougat | Raw sugar

Larceny Barrel Proof was launched in January 2020, and each year Heaven Hill releases three numbered batches identified by a specific batch code. Batches range in age from 6-8 years and vary in proof, though it is possible for batches to be the same proof as previous batches from time to time. This first batch of 2025, designated by batch code A125 - A (for the first of the year), 1 (for January release month ), and 25 (for 2025 release year) - clocks in at exactly 125 proof.

Batch A125 brings forward many of the familiar flavors the brand is known for. Cinnamon and allspice are complemented by walnut and toasted oak on the nose. The midpoint brings pretzel dough, clove, and more cinnamon along with burnt brown sugar, honey, and walnut. There is some heat on the backend as it transitions to the finish, which brings more cinnamon along with baking spices, toffee, nougat, and raw sugar.

This year’s inaugural batch has everything Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon is known for, but the flavors are somewhat muted, and the heat on the backend of the palate eclipses some of the whiskey’s potential. It's a perfectly enjoyable pour that hits Heaven Hill’s baseline quality threshold for Larceny Barrel Proof, but it just doesn’t reach the potential the brand is capable of.