Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

A little background

Bernheim Wheat Whiskey is a 7 year age stated offering that is distilled in Louisville, Kentucky and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky by Heaven Hill. The brand is owned by Heaven Hill Distilleries and has a has a mashbill of 51% wheat and 49% undisclosed amounts of corn and malted barley. The whiskey is 90 proof and comes in at a cost of around $30. The whiskey is made in small batches with each batch being around 100 barrels.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Honey

Nose

The nose is very sweet with notes of caramel and light butterscotch. There is also some spice that presents itself as cinnamon and some light fruit notes that show up as pear and green apple.

Palate

The palate is low to medium viscosity, and the wheat grain in very apparent. Notes translate from the nose to the palate and include caramel, sweet cinnamon, allspice, charred oak, toffee, green apple, and honey.

Finish

The finish is medium in length and has notes of caramel, honey, toffee, cinnamon, and allspice that all come together very nicely and add some complexity to the experience.

In closing

For $30, this is a bottle that everyone should have on their bar. It is a great representation of a wheat whiskey and is a great avenue for people to explore if they don’t have access to other popular “wheaters” such as Weller. This pour drinks slightly higher than its proof and could definitely make its way into some whiskey enthusiasts’ weekly rotation.