Bernheim Wheat Whiskey 750ML

Bernheim Wheat Whiskey 750ML is a 90-proof (45% ABV) Kentucky wheat whiskey aged seven years — widely recognized as the first wheat whiskey introduced in America since Prohibition. Named Jim Murray's Wheat Whiskey of the Year in 2018 and awarded Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression established an entirely new category of American whiskey when it launched.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 proof)  |  Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA  |  Aged 7 Years  |  Distillery: Heaven Hill (Bernheim Distillery)

Production & Heritage

Bernheim Wheat Whiskey is produced at Heaven Hill's Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky — a facility that has been the backbone of one of America's largest independent, family-owned spirits companies since Heaven Hill's founding in 1935. The mashbill is 51% winter wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley, making winter wheat the dominant grain rather than corn or rye. After distillation, the spirit matures for seven years in new charred American oak barrels housed in traditional open rickhouses, where Kentucky's seasonal temperature swings drive deep interaction between whiskey and wood. This focus on winter wheat as the primary grain — a first for the American whiskey industry — gives Bernheim a distinctly softer, more delicately sweet character compared to bourbon or rye.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Mildly sweet on the nose, opening with vanilla and honey before revealing layers of dark caramel and a light dusting of cinnamon. A subtle mustiness from well-aged oak anchors the aromatics.

Taste: The entry is soft and gently sweet, with toffee and salted caramel coating the palate. At mid-palate, berries and fresh mint emerge alongside warm baking spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The peak brings orange peel brightness and a lightly chalky dark chocolate note that adds complexity without bitterness.

Finish: Medium-long and elegant, with toasted oak and lightly burnt baked bread fading into sweet cinnamon roll warmth. The texture remains soft throughout, closing with a gentle salted popcorn note that lingers.

How to Drink Bernheim Wheat Whiskey

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point — the lower proof and wheat-forward grain bill deliver plenty of character without harsh heat. A large ice cube opens up the toffee and berry notes further for those who prefer a chilled pour.

• Old Fashioned: The natural sweetness and soft spice complement a sugar cube and Angostura bitters without competing for attention.
• Whiskey Sour: Bernheim's toffee and berry profile pairs naturally with fresh citrus, creating a rounder, less aggressive sour than rye-based versions.
• Manhattan: The wheat-driven softness produces a silkier, more dessert-like Manhattan, particularly when paired with a higher-quality sweet vermouth.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers looking to explore a softer, wheat-forward alternative
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast something genuinely distinctive and category-defining
• Building a home bar collection that represents the full spectrum of American whiskey styles
• After-dinner sipping on cool evenings when a gentle, warming pour is called for

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bernheim Wheat Whiskey taste like? Bernheim is defined by a soft, delicately sweet profile of toffee, vanilla, berries, and warm baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The winter wheat mashbill gives it a notably gentler, rounder texture than most bourbons or rye whiskeys.

How does Bernheim Wheat Whiskey compare to Maker's Mark? While Maker's Mark is a wheated bourbon — meaning corn is still the primary grain with wheat replacing rye — Bernheim flips the formula by making winter wheat the majority grain at 51%, creating a distinctly different flavor profile. Reviewers frequently note that Bernheim delivers a softer, more grain-forward sweetness with less corn influence, and many who enjoy wheated bourbons consider Bernheim a natural next step in exploration.

Is Bernheim Wheat Whiskey good for sipping neat? At 90 proof with seven years of age, Bernheim is very approachable neat, delivering full flavor without excessive heat. Its soft wheat character makes it one of the more accessible American whiskeys for neat sipping.

Where is Bernheim Wheat Whiskey made? Bernheim is produced at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, operated by Heaven Hill Distillery, one of the largest independent, family-owned distillers in the United States. The whiskey is aged in traditional open rickhouses in Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Bernheim Wheat Whiskey? Stone fruits like grilled peaches complement the whiskey's natural sweetness. Soft cheeses such as brie echo its creamy texture. Pecan pie mirrors the toffee and caramel notes. Smoked pork benefits from the subtle spice and oak character. Dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the finish's bittersweet and saline qualities.

What sizes does Bernheim Wheat Whiskey come in? Bernheim Wheat Whiskey is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Bernheim Wheat Whiskey worth the price? Bernheim positions as a mid-range American whiskey that punches above its price tier, offering seven years of age and a category-defining mashbill at a cost comparable to many younger bourbons. Its multiple Double Gold medals and Jim Murray recognition reinforce the quality-to-value ratio.

Why Bernheim Wheat Whiskey?

Bernheim holds a unique position in American whiskey as the spirit that established wheat whiskey as a legitimate category — the first new style since Prohibition. The seven-year age statement, relatively uncommon in its price range, ensures the winter wheat mashbill has had time to develop genuine depth rather than relying on grain sweetness alone. Its accolades are not trivial: Jim Murray's 2018 Wheat Whiskey of the Year, Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and an Editor's Choice Award from Whisky Magazine with scores from Dave Broom and Michael Jackson. For anyone who has explored bourbon and rye and wants to understand what wheat can do as a dominant grain, Bernheim remains the benchmark.