Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
90 Proof
Price Point: $25 – $35 for 750 ML
Distiller: Bernheim Distillery
Background
A few weeks ago, I reviewed a whiskey called Rebel Reserve. I went over my love for wheated bourbons, and my general displeasure with the offering from Rebel Reserve. Cue some generic triumphant movie music, because Bernheim Original is here!
Bernheim Original is not a bourbon, but a “Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey”. Therefore, 51% or more of its grain ingredients is wheat, making it one of the only wheat whiskeys in existence in the United States. Before even tasting this stuff, I knew I would like it.
Review
The nose on Bernheim Original is soft and sugary. It’s much more refined than a bourbon as wheat is often brought in to tame the corn and malted barley in bourbon recipes.
The taste is silky smooth, with a slight bite on the back-end. The wheat really shines with this whiskey, and you can immediately tell that Bernheim is matured to perfection. The texture is surprisingly light, for a 90 proof expression.
Afterwards, the finish is brief but satisfying, with the underlying tone of wheat.
Rating & Recommendations
I’m a big fan of Bernheim Original. It’s a unique and fresh approach to American distillation, earning an 86 out of 100.
This stuff should be drunk neat; it’s smooth enough to not require any water or ice.
Bernheim Original is a wonderfully different whiskey that should be in your collection for the nights when you’re looking for something a little different. A must-have for those of you who like wheat in your whiskey.
-Ryan
7 comments
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While I think it’s currently a bit too young, there’s also Dry Fly Distillery’s Washington Wheat whiskey, which is a 100% wheat spirit.
Author
I’ve never had it, but I recall seeing it for about $50, which is a tad higher than I would be willing to spend unless I heard really good things about it.
Thanks for the comment!
-Ryan
That is the downside of microdistillery products. Often you’re paying for what you hope they’ll be in the future rather than what they are at present.
Author
And I just realized you meant that Bernheim is NOT the only wheat whiskey – sorry, I should have caught that.
-Ryan
This whiskey is now available in VA state liquor stores. It retails for around $25 a bottle and was recently on sale for about $22. I bought it a few months ago and loved it. It’s unique, and I’m taking some to a friend in Annapolis later this month, and my brother in NH next month. They both love good sippin’ whiskeys and this is a good one.
Jack
Purchased the dry fly recently. My first wheat whiskey. Very impressed. Great stuff
This whiskey is light and smooth enough to drink at the end of a day at the beach, when you don’t want any more beer. Cuts through that malt, very enjoyable.
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