Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon / A125
The Stats
- Distillery: Heaven Hill
- Location: Bardstown, Kentucky
- Type: Barrel Proof Wheated Bourbon
- Age: 6-8 Years
- Proof: 125 (62.5% ALC/VOL)
- Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
- Release: January 2025
- Price: $70
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Larceny Barrel Proof has always been the wilder sibling in Heaven Hill’s portfolio—a wheated bourbon with brawn, depth, and no apologies. First launched in January 2020, the line quickly carved out a niche for itself among high-proof enthusiasts seeking something sweet, bold, and a little less predictable than its rye-heavy counterparts.
Batch A125 is the first release of 2025, bottled at a robust 125 proof and made from barrels aged 6 to 8 years. But this one drinks differently. There’s an earthy funk underneath the caramel and spice—a savory, grain-forward character that sets it apart from recent batches. Think sourdough crust, wet oak, even a touch of tobacco leaf.
That funk might throw off the sweet-tooth crowd. But for those of us who like a bourbon with some grit, some tension, and a little mystery, A125 delivers something memorable.
A New Chapter in a Bold Wheated Line
When Larceny Barrel Proof debuted five years ago, it filled a void in the bourbon world: a barrel-strength wheated option that didn’t require a lottery win. While its mash bill shares DNA with Weller and Maker’s Mark—68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley—the end result is uniquely Heaven Hill: darker, oakier, more roasted in character.
Batch A125 continues that tradition but takes a left turn. There’s more earth, more barrel funk, and less overt sweetness. It’s still a wheated bourbon, but this one’s less like a vanilla cupcake and more like a fresh grain silo.
It’s not the crowd-pleasing pour you bring to a beginner. It’s the one you pour for your whiskey friends who like to debate—and taste—what makes a bourbon truly interesting.
Tasting Notes
Aroma:
Burnt sugar, cinnamon rolls, and vanilla frosting. But dessert-focused—damp oak, caramel, and a hint of sourdough. Not overly complex, but a very sweet wheat whiff.
Taste:
Funk from the start. Dark caramel, cinnamon bark, and chocolate-vanilla cream. But then come the unexpected notes—wet leather, charred grain, even a bit of funky barrel must. It’s chewy and layered with complexity. A touch of water helps, but don’t be afraid to ride the proof.
Finish:
Long, spicy, and earthy. Cocoa powder, baking spice, and toasted bread linger, with a drying oak presence and a late kick of peppery heat. You may even catch a little barnyard funk on the exhale.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
7 / 10 - GOOD
Larceny A125 isn’t your typical wheater. It’s bold, yes—but also funky, dry, and deeply grain-driven. For some, that might be a curveball. But for those who want something different, this batch offers a rewarding sip that stands out in the series.
It’s not the cleanest or sweetest Larceny Barrel Proof to date, but it might be one of the most thought-provoking.
How does this compare to the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A125?
