Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey 750ml

Bernheim Original is a 7 year old Kentucky straight wheat whiskey from Heaven Hill, distilled at the company’s Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. Wheat, not corn, leads the grain recipe, and it is bottled at 90 proof, which is 45% ABV.

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To be called wheat whiskey in the US, the mash must contain at least 51% wheat, and Heaven Hill uses soft winter wheat for Bernheim. That makes it a different thing from a wheated bourbon, where corn is still the main grain and wheat only replaces rye. Heaven Hill describes Bernheim Original as the first new style of American whiskey released since Prohibition, and it takes its name from the Louisville distillery where it is made. The whiskey then spends seven years in Heaven Hill’s open rickhouses before bottling.

Heaven Hill’s own tasting notes:

Nose: Gently sweet, with touches of vanilla and honey.

Palate: Toffee, berry fruit and spice.

Finish: Warm and refined, with toasted oak.

Compared with a rye or a high-rye bourbon, it is softer and rounder, so it suits drinkers who find American whiskey a bit fiery. Heaven Hill suggests it neat or in cocktails, and features it in a Bee’s Knees with honey syrup, ginger liqueur and fresh lime. It also makes a mellow Old Fashioned. Serve it at room temperature in a rocks glass, and try it with roast chicken, a caramel tart or mild cheeses.