Bernheim Original Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey

Bernheim Original Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey is Heaven Hill’s wheat whiskey at the strength it leaves the barrel. Distilled at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville from 51 percent winter wheat, 37 percent corn, and 12 percent malted barley, it ages 7 to 9 years in new charred oak in open-air rickhouses and is bottled without chill filtration. Wheat is the majority grain, which is why fresh bread and honey stay in the glass when the proof climbs. Each batch is allocated and released twice a year, and the proof changes with it. The first batch, A223, was 118.8 proof; A226 was 124 proof.

The notes that keep returning are fresh bread, honey, caramel, and clove, on a silky body that still carries dry oak at the end. Heaven Hill’s note on A223 is oak staves and fresh bread, then buttery caramel, honey, and clove, with honey and caramel lasting. Breaking Bourbon found that batch rich and sweet — baking bread, cinnamon roll, apricot, toffee, and maple sugar — before the finish turned slightly dry. Later batches move the proof and the heat. The batch code tells you which strength you have.