Larceny is a wheated bourbon, and that single choice is what defines it. Instead of rye as the secondary grain alongside corn, Heaven Hill uses soft red winter wheat, which strips out the peppery bite rye brings and lets sweeter, rounder flavours lead. The result is one of the most approachable bourbons in its price range without being thin or simple. The name comes from John E. Fitzgerald, and the story behind it is genuinely unusual. Fitzgerald was a Treasury agent in the 1870s with keys to the rickhouses, and rather than using that access honestly he reportedly helped himself to the best barrels he could find. Those barrels became known as the Fitzgerald barrels, and the brand takes its name and its keyhole label artwork from that piece of bourbon folklore. Today Larceny is produced at Heaven Hill in Bardstown, Kentucky, family owned since 1935, and bottled as a very special small batch at 92 proof, drawn from a relatively small number of barrels rather than a large blend. It pours a warm golden amber. The nose is soft and inviting, with butterscotch, honey and baked bread over light oak and a touch of vanilla. The palate is smooth and gently sweet, layering caramel, toffee, cinnamon and a hint of orchard fruit, with the wheat keeping everything rounded rather than sharp. The finish is clean and mellow, closing on caramel and soft oak. It is an easy bourbon to drink neat or over ice and an excellent everyday Old Fashioned base, particularly for anyone who finds high rye bourbons too aggressive. Very good value for the quality.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
46% |
| Proof |
92 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Wheated Small Batch |
| Distillery |
Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Heaven Hill Brands |
| Mashbill |
Wheated: corn, soft red winter wheat, malted barley |
| Age |
No Age Statement |
| Maturation |
New charred oak |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm golden amber.
Nose: Butterscotch, honey and baked bread over light oak and vanilla.
Palate: Smooth and gently sweet, with caramel, toffee, cinnamon and a hint of orchard fruit.
Finish: Clean and mellow, with lingering caramel and soft oak.
FAQ
What is a wheated bourbon?
It uses wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain alongside corn, producing a softer, sweeter and rounder profile.
What proof is Larceny?
It is bottled at 46% ABV, which is 92 proof.
Where does the name come from?
From John E. Fitzgerald, a Treasury agent with rickhouse keys in the 1870s who, according to bourbon folklore, helped himself to the best barrels. Those became known as the Fitzgerald barrels.
Does Larceny have an age statement?
No. The small batch bottling carries no age statement.
How does it compare to other wheated bourbons?
It sits in the same family as other wheated bourbons but at a considerably more accessible price, which is a large part of its appeal.
Where can I buy Larceny online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
