Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) vs Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon: Head-to-Head Bourbon Comparison arrives with the quiet confidence of a spirit that knows its own worth.
Choosing between Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) and Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) | Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 123.8 proof | 45% ABV) |
| Price | $49.99 | $50.00 |
| Rating | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Nose
Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522): Banana bread, cinnamon twists, and vanilla extract. At 123.8 proof, it’s not surprising that a splash of water helps this whiskey open up. With or without water, though, the 2022 version is a bit mellower and sweeter than the 2021.
Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon: After a minute or two in the glass, I was presented with notes of cornflakes and honey, reminding me of Saturday morning breakfast, alongside the aroma of dried mango and sunflower seeds.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522): Gingersnap spice comes first, which is similar to what I experienced with last year’s release. Think nutmeg and cinnamon. The second wave of flavor is deeper, darker, and richer. Pipe tobacco, prunes, leather, and maple syrup. Finally, it settles in for a relatively long finish with hazelnut notes.
Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon: The whiskey is very mild at the front of the palate, but the intensity spreads nicely and grows mid-way through. The honey of the nose is joined by orange zest, buttered corn, and clove, with a lightly spicy finish that has a vegetal flavor, similar to fresh parsley.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522): Comments: I described the May 2021 release as “the color of gingerbread,” and I’ll stand by that description a year later. Banana bread, cinnamon twists, and vanilla extract
Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon: Comments: Distilled from Blue Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley, and Rye. Aged for no less than a year
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Both whiskeys are competitively priced for what they deliver, with Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) at $49.99 and Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon at $50.00.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
This is a genuinely close call. Both Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) and Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon have their strengths, and picking a clear winner depends entirely on what you value most in a whiskey.
We'd recommend trying both if you can. Each has qualities that make it worth a pour.
Read the Full Reviews
- Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) – Full Review
- Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon – Full Review
Final Reflections
Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) vs Shelter Distilling Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon: Head-to-Head Bourbon Comparison is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
