This is a 7 year old expression of the Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey. It’s a continuation of the Bernheim Wheat Whiskey line which is the original mass produced wheat whiskey. The term “mass produced” might come off sounding a bit negative, but it simply means that it was the first Wheat Whiskey to be available at scale. If you’re an American Whiskey enthusiast it’s definitely worth trying the Bernheims out just to see what a wheat dominant mashbill does to a whiskey.
I’ve already covered the original Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey which is a NAS whiskey that likely clocks in close to the 4 year mark, so what we’re doing now is basically taking a look at what an additional 3ish years does to the spirit. Though keep in mind that when an age statement is present it’s equal to the youngest whiskey in the bottle so it’s likely there is some older juice, though probably not by much, in here adding some of the richer, spicer and woodier notes.
Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey 7 years aged Review
ABV: 45%
Age: 7 years
Price: $40*
Distiller: Heaven Hill
Mashbill: At least 51% wheat with the rest being corn and malt
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Rich caramel, buttery toffee, citrus, leather and a muddled dark fruit like a mixed berry preserve. There’s a nice touch of spice like cinnamon and nutmeg with light touches of cocoa powder, instant coffee and molasses. Much richer than it’s younger counterpart.
PALATE
Caramel, wood, dusty grains, wheat driven sweetness, citrus rind and burnt sugar. It would be tasty right there, but the extra aging on this has created some additional facets of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, a touch of clove and a very light astringency.
FINISH
Woody with hints of watery caramel, burned sugar and wheat toast on a long fade.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Nicely balanced with sweet and earthier notes moving in tandem. A medium body that runs hotter than I would expect a 90 proof to be, but still manageable without water.
OVERALL
The nose is sweet while the palate is earthier and the finish is a nice mix of the two. Even though it doesn’t need water being a 90 proof, but I’d recommend adding a splash because the nose picks up some wood, vanilla and a bit of butterscotch while the palate brings up more of the grains and vanilla. The finish doesn’t change much but it does tame the heat a bit. It’s a tasty whiskey for sure and well worth a try.
SCORE: 86/100
*Disclosure: This bottle of 7 year Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
