A Criminally Good Pairing: BLTC Morphine & Larceny Barrel Proof

After a brief reprieve from the summer heat, July’s familiar weather returned — with it came the late afternoon thunderstorms and an early, storm cloud-induced dusk. Lately, some evenings have felt darker than the doldrums of winter. When the porch thermometer dipped into the double digits this weekend, I knew it was time for a smoke. Thankfully, the storm clouds hadn’t yet rolled in.

Looking for a quick, satisfying option, I grabbed a Black Label Trading Company Morphine. Scanning the whiskey shelf, a bottle of Larceny Barrel Proof caught my eye. Morphine and Larceny — it sounds like the title of a crime drama or the name of a punk band. Either way, it seemed like the right combination.

Black Label Trading Company’s Morphine is a mostly annual, limited release from the boutique cigar brand. The 2024 edition marks the 10th anniversary of the line, with four different vitolas offered. I picked up a few in the 5×50 Perfecto size last November.

This year’s blend features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper subtly accented by an Ecuadorian Maduro leaf, creating a nearly invisible barber pole. The Nicaraguan binder and filler are not otherwise specified. The cigar is beautifully rolled with a narrow foot and a needle-like cap.

After a couple of clips to the cap, I had an easy draw despite the tight foot, which lit quickly with a touch of the torch. The burn line expanded evenly as the cigar widened and required no touch-ups. The first puffs brought pepper, cocoa, dark cherry, and raisin. As it progressed, the profile evolved into deeper notes of espresso, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a hint of molasses sweetness. Morphine delivers bold, full-bodied flavor, yet remains balanced and smooth throughout. Smoking time was about 40 minutes.

On the bourbon side, Larceny Barrel Proof B523 (May 2023 release) comes from Heaven Hill. It uses their wheated mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley, and is bottled uncut at 124.4 proof.

The nose opens with strong notes of cinnamon and fruit. The palate delivers a rich wave of cinnamon spice, caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit, all underpinned by that soft wheat sweetness. The long finish brings lingering cinnamon, oak, and vanilla. It’s a powerful pour, but very approachable.

I started neat, as usual, but added a few drops of water to ease the spice and allow more of the cigar’s richness to shine. The transformation was immediate: the bourbon’s sweet, dark fruit and candy-like notes became more prominent, without losing its character. Cinnamon still lingered on the finish but now played backup to the enhanced sweetness.

This robust pairing of Black Label Morphine and Larceny Barrel Proof B523 made for a fitting end to the day. Thunder rumbling in the distance added the final note to a dark and delicious screen porch experience.

Cheers!