Drink of the Week: Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon

Ah, autumn. I love my summer Daiquiris, and I’m sad to pack them (somewhat) away until next year. But with the changing season now upon us, and with Labor Day receding in the distance, it’s time to put away the white booze with the white shoes and shift our attention to bourbon. So tonight, to celebrate the first full day of fall, I’m pouring a recent release from Heaven Hill Distillery, Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon.

Technically, it’s Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon C922. Let me explain. That code scratched next to “Batch No.” on the label indicates the seasonal nature of this whiskey. Heaven Hill releases three batches of Larceny Barrel Proof each year. And the latest round is the third and final edition for 2022 (A122 and B522 were released earlier this year).

All of the releases follow Heaven Hill’s standard approach for its Larceny line: A generous measure of wheat (20 percent) and a soft brush of malted barley (12 percent) balance out a corn-rich mashbill (68 percent). It is then aged six to eight years. C922 closes out the year by weighing in at the highest proof of the three 2022 releases—a burly 126.6 proof. It’s sturdy enough to remain rugged in the glass even with an ice cube thrown in and to help ease you into the cooler weather without overwhelming you.

Wheated bourbons (and cask-strength bourbons) regularly occupy real estate in my liquor cabinet. This latest Larceny Barrel Proof release reminds me why that is, with a soft yet intense aroma of spice, toasted nuts, brown sugar, and pastry shell, and a palate rich with honey and caramel, accented with baking spice and touches of toasted coconut and marmalade. Bring it on, autumn. $59.99, heavenhilldistillery.com