Introducing Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey – a unique spirit made by Heaven Hill Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Named after the Bernheim Distillery, this whiskey is crafted using a mash bill which contains 51% or more wheat. As such, it stands apart from other whiskeys on the market due to its distinct flavor profile and production process.
For starters, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey has an aging process of at least two years in new charred oak barrels. This aging period gives the whiskey a smooth finish and contributes to its rich flavor. Moreover, it does not contain flavoring or coloring agents ulike some other whiskeys available on the market.
The mash bill for this whiskey is made up of mainly wheat with some other ingredients such as rye and malted barley making up the remaining 49%. This makes it unique from other bourbons which use rye as part of their mash bills. The presence of wheat gives it its own distinct flavor that sets it apart from other whiskeys.
As mentioned before, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery located in Louisville, Kentucky – a city known for its bourbon production. Despite this fact, Heaven Hill has managed to craft a wheat whiskey that is worthy of standing amongst bourbon whiskeys due to its smooth finish and unique flavor profile.
If you are looking for something different when it comes to whiskey then try out Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey! It may surprise you with how different yet enjoyable it is compared to other whiskeys out there on the market today.
Who Produces Bernheim Wheat Whiskey?
Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey is made by Heaven Hill Distillery, an American family-owned and operated business. Founded in 1935 by the Shapira family, Heaven Hill has become one of the world's largest independent producers of whiskey. The Bernheim Distillery located in Louisville, Kentucky, is Heaven Hill's main production distillery and was named aftr its original owner, Isaac Wolfe Bernheim. Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey is created using a proprietary mash bill with a minimum of 51% winter wheat, giving it a smooth and mellow flavor unlike any other whiskey. It is aged for at least four years in new charred oak barrels and bottled at 90 proof. With its deep golden color and distinctive flavor profile, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey has set the bar for wheat whiskeys since it first debuted in 2005.
Is Bernheim Whiskey a Bourbon?
No, Bernheim whiskey is not a bourbon. While it looks and tastes like bourbon, the two are distinct spirits. Bernheim whiskey is a straight wheat whiskey, meaning that it must be made from at least 51% wheat and aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Additionally, Bernheim whiskey cannot contain any added flavorings or colorings. When compared to bourbon, which is made from at least 51% corn and often contains added flavorings and colorings, it's clear that Bernheim whiskey does not meet the criteria for being a true bourbon.
The Definition of Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
Kentucky Straight wheat whiskey is a type of straight whiskey made in the state of Kentucky, containing at least 51% wheat in its mash bill. This whiskey has a unique flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and nutmeg. It is aged for at least two years in charred white oak barrels, giving it an amber color with a spicy finish. The flavor is well-rounded and smooth, making it perfect for sipping straight or mixing into cocktails. Woodford Reserve is the only distillery currently producing Kentucky Straight wheat whiskey.
Who Is the Owner of Bernheim Whiskey?
Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey is currently owned by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., a family-owned and operated company based in Bardstown, Kentucky. The Bernheim Distillery was originally founded in 1992 by United Distillers (later known as Diageo) but was later sold to Heaven Hill and renamed Heaven Hill Bernheim Distillery in 1999. Today, Heaven Hill produces Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey using the original recipe created over 100 years ago. The whiskey is distilled, aged, and bottled at the Bernheim distillery on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row.
The Quest for the Holy Grail of Bourbon
The Holy Grail of bourbon is Pappy Van Winkle. It's a highly sought-after whiskey produced by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery in Kentucky. This whiskey has been produced since the late 1800s and is made with a unique blend of corn, rye, and barley malt whiskeys. The mash bill cotains wheat, as well, giving it a unique flavor profile compared to other bourbons. Pappy Van Winkle is aged for between 15 and 23 years, resulting in an incredibly smooth taste with notes of oak, dried fruits, and caramel. Unfortunately, due to its limited production and high demand, Pappy Van Winkle is extremely difficult to find on store shelves and can cost hundreds of dollars per bottle when it does become available.
Tasting Notes for Wheat Whisky
Wheat whisky has a sweet and smooth flavor profile that is marked by notes of honey, vanilla, dried berries, spice, and toffee. It's mellow character makes it a crowd pleaser. The sweetness is subtle but present, making it easy to sip. Wheat whisky is often compared to bourbon due to its similar flavor profile, but the wheat whisky has a softer and smoother character.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey is an interesting and unique spirit that is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery. It shares some similarities with bourbon, however it is not technically a bourbon because of the 51% or more wheat content in its mash bill. The aging process for Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey takes a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels, and no flavoring or coloring agents can be used to alter the flavor or color of the whiskey. The distinct flavor of Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey povides a unique twist on traditional bourbon and makes it a great choice for those seeking something different.
