Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey

Smooth-light taste with medium finish.

If you have a friend who is hesitant to drink whiskey neat due to limited experience, this is a perfect starter. Since the market is extremely limited for wheat whiskey, I compare this to the drinkability of Maker's Mark and Larceny. All 3 are widely available and sub $30. Bernheim is smoother and lighter than either due to higher wheat, which is why I recommend it for beginners. Oak is most prominent on the nose, due to the 7 year statement. I also smell caramel, but keep in mind everything I'm smelling is subtle. The taste is equally light. All of the flavors I see in reviews are mild at best, including the oak and alcohol. This whiskey basically disappears on the tongue. I barely know I had a sip of it 10 seconds after swallowing. It is honestly impressive how light and drinkable a 7Y whiskey can be. But that's not what I want these days. I see value in this, especially for $29 with its age statement and uniqueness. However, it is boring to drink and I'm having a hard time finishing the bottle because I always want to reach for something else. Buy this for your friend who drinks whiskey on the rocks or Crown Royale straight, I'm sure they'll enjoy this.

Smooth and mellow. Slightly sweet.

Strong caramel nose. The palate has a strong caramel flavor - it's also got a sharp bite of spice, far spicier than I was expecting from a wheat whiskey. It has a sharp black pepper bite. It feels a bit thin for my taste, but it's a pleasant and easily drinkable whiskey at a pretty reasonable price. The finish is dry with a bid of astringent woodiness along with some cereal notes. This isn't particularly complex but it's enjoyable for a change of pace.