Cornmuse
Larceny Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
August 20, 2022 (edited September 7, 2022)
I picked up this bottle a couple weeks back on a lark. I've had it before, but it's been at least 5 years. Time to revisit.
On the nose I'm getting wheat bread, caramelized sugars, marshmallow and ethanol. It's a fairly pedestrian bourbon aroma lacking significant complexity but enjoyable enough for a budget bottle. Compared to Maker's Mark, the most obvious wheated bourbon competitor, this is a bit less "chemical" with a softer ethanol and without the latex paint note I sometimes get from Maker's.
On the tongue this is a gentle quaff with light spice. It's not sweet, but neither is it overly dry. It walks a fine line of being undemanding but interesting. I get notes of cola and oak, cornbread, slight boiled peanuts and a bit of cinnamon. The finish is short and drying, leaving a slightly tannic bitterness. Overall its quite acceptable.
This is a competitive bourbon for the money. I think I like it a little better than Maker's Mark, but this could change based on mood and day. I definitely think Maker's 46 is a better whiskey, but it's also a bit more expensive. I like this better than Buffalo Trace neat, but BT is better in mixed drinks (especially a whiskey sour where the slightly sour BT finish really works). I like Dickel 8 year bourbon even more, but it's quite a bit spicier.
Larceny is a solid choice in the under $30 price category. It's not a world beater, but it's a good value and a good whiskey. I might not keep a bottle on hand, but I'm happy to enjoy it when the opportunity arises.
27.99
USD
per
Bottle
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Cola is an excellent descriptor as well. I think it is much better than Maker’s
There’s a vegetal note I get from Larceny that I liken to sweet potato, but your boiled peanut may actually be a better descriptor. Nice review.
To me this is a great “social” whiskey. On a dock or a campsite with some buddies, shooting the breeze, this one is awesome. Then I buy it to have at home alone and I am instantly disappointed.