forbes.com
Larceny Bourbon Wins Top Spot at 2025 BevTest Judging
Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. A125, a 62.5% ABV wheated bourbon from Heaven Hill Distillery, received a 97/100 score and a Platinum Medal at the 2025 BevTest judging, making it America's top-ranked bourbon.
- What factors contributed to Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A125's ranking as America's top bourbon at the 2025 BevTest judging?
- Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. A125 received a 97/100 score and a Platinum Medal at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) bourbon judging, making it America's top-ranked bourbon. This wheated bourbon, bottled at 62.5% ABV, is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery and retails for around $64.
- How does the mash bill and production process of Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A125 contribute to its flavor profile and high score?
- The high score reflects the bourbon's complex flavor profile, described as featuring notes of maple-glazed French toast, butterscotch, orchard and tropical fruit, and seasoned oak on the nose, transitioning to caramel and brown sugar, ginger cookies, and roasted nuts on the palate, with a long spicy finish. The non-chill filtered and uncut bottling, straight from the cask, enhances the barrel character.
- What is the significance of this award for Heaven Hill Distillery and the broader bourbon market, considering the bourbon's price point and profile?
- This recognition reinforces Heaven Hill Distillery's position in the bourbon market and highlights the appeal of high-proof, wheated bourbons. The $64 price point, often discounted, makes it accessible to a broader consumer base, potentially driving increased sales and influencing future bourbon production trends.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the bourbon's high rating, award, and exceptional tasting notes. The headline emphasizes its top ranking, setting a positive tone from the start. While this is not inherently biased, it prioritizes praise over potential drawbacks or critical analysis, which may influence reader perception.
Language Bias
The language is largely descriptive and evocative, using positive adjectives like "remarkable," "exceptional," and "compelling." While these enhance the description, the consistently positive tone could be seen as subtly biased. For instance, instead of "tsunami of flavor" (from the BevTest quote), a more neutral description like "complex array of flavors" could be used. The use of superlatives like "America's top-ranked bourbon" should be tempered with phrases like "according to the Beverage Testing Institute".
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the tasting notes and award, but omits information about the production process beyond the mash bill and age range. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, omitting details about the barrel selection, maturation process, or the distillery's specific techniques could limit a reader's complete understanding of what contributes to the bourbon's unique character.