Bernheim Original

I purchased this bottle for two reasons: the great looks and the name (as I live in Bernheim Avenue, altough the Bernheim of my street has nothing to do with Bernard Bernheim of the distillery, but it's a nice thought). I have tried several bourbons and wheat & rye whiskies before, but this is my first straight wheat whiskey. That shouldn't come as a surprise, for Bernheim Original is the ONLY straight wheat whiskey on the market. It was introduced in 2005 and - as far as I was able to ascertain - quite a following. It's full name is Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey. Bernard Bernheim was a German immigrant who - together with his brother - founded the Bernheim Distillery in the 19th Century. This straight wheat whiskey is produced at the well-respected Heaven Hill Distillery in honour of Bernard Bernheim. Bernheim Original exudes quality when looking at it. On the nose it's butter initially, then gently turning to toast and some spiciness. Makes you feel like standing in the bakery on a Sunday morning, ready to take home some croissants. Appetising! On the palate, it's softer and less syrupy than one would expect. You immediately taste oak and buttered corn with a hint of toffee. But no bite at all, despite the spices obvious in the nose. This is a very soft whiskey. The finish is very clean, but unfortunately very short as well. This is a very sweet and mild whiskey with no bite at all. I like it a lot! Mark - Whivie.be

A rich, sweet and smoky nose with that cotton candy/ candy floss wheat character, some chocolate orange and sweet coconut. Big, bold vanillins leading into burnt caramel. The rye grains add a late nip. On the palate the oak sets out it’s stall with a definite toasty character along with candy floss and grippy rye building to a mouth watering mentholated finish with a pretty almost coastal finish,. Pleasant but lacks the complexity of say William Weller.