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Bernheim Original NAS
Whisky: Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey NAS, 45%
Producer: Heaven Hill Distillery, USA
£52 ≈ R580
For an American whiskey to bear the designation straight wheat whiskey the mash bill, which defines the proportions of the various grains, must be comprised of at least 51% wheat. The remaining components in Bernheim include mainly corn and some barley (including malted barley). Released in 2005, this is still the only straight wheat whisky available. Although carrying no age statement it is known to be bottled after 5 years of cask maturation.
Nose: A thick, freshly toasted, slice of sweet whole-wheat bread. Lightly salted butter, slowly melting on top. And a generous pour of maple syrup over the top. Welcome to Bernheim country!
Taste: Cool and oily on the palette with a complex combination of sweet vanilla and all-spice. Toasted notes remain but less bread and more oak now. The sweetness is both stewed fruit and a berry flambé. A squeeze of citrus.
Finish: Slightly drying with an edge of burnt butter bitterness, but countered with a drop of mint freshness. Satisfyingly long with a conclusion of sweet grains.
My Score: 83
This delectable American is a refreshing, and recommended, change for someone who drinks single malt Scotch 95% of the time. Unfortunately it’s ‘small batch’, which translates into limited distribution and hard-to-find. Why there aren’t more straight wheat whiskies I can’t tell you. (Can anyone tell me?)
Other Scores: JM’09 91.5
