Bernheim was the first straight wheat whiskey to be launched on the US market and is bottled at seven years of age.
Warm and sweet with buttered granary toast, a hint of salt, mixed spices and a distinct morello cherry character. Cooked fruit and a defined bakery note.
Quite full and sweet. Freshly baked sweet buns, a stewed fruit note and a mixed nut character. There are hints of tuck shop favourites and a touch of spearmint.
Long and slightly dry with toasty spices.
Customer Rating
“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”
Master of Malt Customer
On its own it is reasonably good but being only 7 odd years old it still tastes a little "green". This note of immaturity transfers onto the palate with a little harshness that another 5 or so years would probably smooth out. Having said that, for the dough it is good to excellent value. I find that by blending this whiskey with an equal mix of good 12-year-old blended scotch whisky and good bourbon of at least 5- years-old, you get a very rewarding and comprehensive flavor profile.
Very sweet easy drinker, reminds me of a $40.00 shot of Old Pappy Van Winkle that I had at a cigar bar in LA several years ago. I would say it's a poor man's Pappy. Not quite in the same league,but similar enough. Much sweeter than Makers mark and Larceny.
Inoffensive, lovely rounded taste with that distinct biscuit note you get with wheaters, along with a hint of maple. Not much complexity but very enjoyable to drink. Personally Weller Special Reserve is better for slightly cheaper though.
If you love the sweetness of a bourbon then this is a must. A melt in your mouth drink. Smooth from the smell to the taste to the finish. Very nice.
Wonderful, smooth, full of tastes (sweet, nutty, some wood) and a very different experience than Scotch or bourbon. A really long, satisfying finish...hints of autumn smoke...or a southern hickory wind...beautifully.
