Flavor Profile
Wheat gives the Whiskey a softer taste than Bourbon. Sweet aromas of vanilla and honey, flavors of toffee, berries and spice and an…
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Because it is made with wheat, its mixability with a variety of juices and liqueurs makes it perfect for creating an endless array or crisp…
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Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is the first truly new variety of American straight whiskey introduced since Prohibition. Bernheim is also the first whiskey to use winter wheat as its primary grain creating a soft, sweet flavor and medium finish.
We're proud to be America's only wheat whiskey and a true original.
Produced at our namesake Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, Bernheim is aged in Rickhouse Y at Heaven Hill's Nelson County facilities. Bernheim is defined 
as a "small batch" as the Master Distillers select from 75 barrels or less to create a one of a kind taste profile. We have won numerous medals and distinctions for our award-winning taste since we began in January of 2000.
As a straight whiskey, we meet all the same criteria as Bourbon or rye -- Bernheim is aged a minimum of two years in a new, charred oak barrel, distilled at less than 160 proof, and contains no coloring, flavoring or blending agents.
Craig Beam’s Story
It was a time when everyone was looking to produce new products. We had just produced wheated Bourbon for Old Fitzgerald and had some wheat grain leftover. I thought “why not try increasing wheat to be the 
main grain in the recipe?” I figured it was bound to be good whiskey. We had enough to produce 150 barrels, so we started off with that.
I started taking samples as early as 3 months old, again at 6 months old and then at a year old. I was amazed at how smooth the whiskey was and what great color it had already. I started to get really excited when it was 3-years-old because I knew we had something really great on our hands. We left it to age a few more years to make sure it was just right.
When we decided that it was time to launch this new wheat whiskey as a brand, we worked with designers to select the perfect bottle and to create a unique label. With the history of the distillery and being the first new product created at the Bernheim distillery, the name made perfect sense.
"I feel we have a great product with Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey. I certainly enjoy a sip from time to time."
~ Craig Beam, Master Distiller
Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey was the first truly new variety of American straight whiskey introduced since Prohibition. Heaven Hill Master Distiller's saw an opportunity 
to give today's whiskey connoisseurs a unique taste experience. At its launch, Bernheim was the only straight whiskey to use winter wheat as the primary grain in its mashbill, giving it a soft, sweet flavor and medium finish. As a straight whiskey, it meets same criteria as Bourbon or rye—aged a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels, distilled at less than 160 proof, and contains no coloring, flavoring or blending agents.
It was only fitting that this ground-breaking American Whiskey should bear the Bernheim name. Brothers Isaac Wolfe and Bernard Bernheim, pioneering German immigrants with little money and big dreams, established a distillery in Louisville, KY in the 19th century. Since that time, the Bernheim Distillery has consistently produced whiskeys lauded for their superior taste and quality.
Bernheim's Flavor Profile
COLOR
Brilliant copper
AROMA
Mildly sweet with hints of vanilla and honey
TASTE
Hints of toffee, berries, & spice with fresh mint
FINISH
Soft toasted oak, elegant and warm
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is wheat whiskey different than Bourbon?
All straight Bourbon whiskey is distilled from at least 51% corn. Straight wheat whiskey differs as it must be distilled from a mash containing at least 51% soft winter wheat.
- What makes Bernheim different than other wheated Bourbons?
Wheated Bourbons like Old Fitzgerald or Maker's Mark adhere to all of the laws of straight Bourbon whiskey, but use a small amount of wheat in place of rye.
- What does small batch mean?
Periodically, the Master Distiller will select a limited number of barrels (typically no more than 50-75) from specific middle floor locations in the rickhouse that have matured to their high standards. These barrels will be mingled in limited quantities or "small batches."
- Is Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey gluten free?
Although Bernheim is made with wheat, corn and malted barley, it is in fact, gluten-free. The distillation of those main ingredients eliminates many of the elements which affect those with gluten intolerance. However, it is important to consult a health care professional to gauge your sensitivity.
- How many calories are in Bernheim?
In a 1.5 oz. serving, there are 109 calories.
Because it is made with wheat, Bernheim has a unique, more mellow taste profile than a traditional Bourbon, so it delivers a smooth, high quality cocktail without overpowering or making it too heavy. Its mixability with a variety of juices and liqueurs makes it perfect for creating an endless array of crisp and refreshing drink recipes.
- Bernheim Ball
- Bernheim Blossom
- Bernheim Bee's Knees
- Bernheim Ginger Buck
- Bernheim Fashion
- Bernheim Reviver
- Kentucky Jewel
- Bernheim Cooler
- Bernheim Manhattan
- Kentucky Melba
- Lilac Grove
- Autumn Sunset
Kentucky Jewel
- 1 1/2 oz. Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey
- 1/2 oz. Pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz. Simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 6 mint leaves
- Champagne
Combine all ingredients except champagne and shake vigorously. Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with champagne. Garnish with a floating mint leaf.
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Mixologists from around the country have contributed to our library of unique Bernheim cocktails including Ted Kilgore of Niche Taste Bar in St. Louis.
Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey is made with the same time-honored tradition our Master Distillers have passed down for generations, critics agree Bernheim is an exceptional whiskey worth tasting.
Pioneer Whiskey
of the Year
Malt Advocate
Magazine
Gold Medal
Winner
International Spirits
Challenge
94 / Exceptional
Rating
Beverage Tasting
Institute
World's Best
Wheat Whiskey
Whisky Mag. World
Whiskies Awds.
Editor's Gold
Choice Award
Whiskey Magazine
DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNER
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Press Mentions
Beyond the Basics of Beer and a Shot
San Francisco Chronicle
"For the more adventurous, bartender Jay Beaman says he'll pair Anchor Brewing's Summer Beer, a crisp wheat ale, with the soft roundness of wheated American whiskey such as Maker's Mark or, better yet, Bernheim Wheat Whiskey." Read More
The Tennessean
Whiskey Kitchen
"WK's Marmalade Whiskey Sour used Bernheim Wheat Whiskey for its base, with bittersweet orange marmalade and lemon to give the drink a complicated citrus twang" Read More
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