Some whiskeys announce themselves with fanfare; others prefer a quieter entrance. WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon vs Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522): Head-to-Head Bourbon Comparison belongs firmly to the latter school.
Choosing between WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon and Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) 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
| WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon | Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | 6 years | N/A |
| ABV | 50% ABV), aged 6 years, high corn mash bill, 750ml | 123.8 proof |
| Price | $49.99 | $49.99 |
| Rating | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Nose
WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon: Has a mild yet spicy nose with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Toasted walnut and sweet sultana also come through, rounded out by a hint of leather.
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.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon: The spicy cinnamon notes up front give way to a bevy of flavors including maple, vanilla, honey crisp apples, and burnt orange. Oak smokiness segues to notes of leather and a subtle hint of green tea on the back end.
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.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon: Comments: 100 proof (50% ABV), aged 6 years, high corn mash bill, 750ml MSRP $49.99
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
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon offers significantly more bang for your buck at $49.99 compared to Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522)'s $49.99.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon takes the crown with a rating of 9/10 compared to Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522)'s 7/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522) appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon vs Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B522): 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.
