Review: Bernheim Original Celebrates 20 Years with Two Releases
Wheat whiskey was a forgotten style when this brand first launched, but Bernheim has gone on to achieve acclaim
April 29, 2026 –––––– Danny Brandon
When Heaven Hill launched Bernheim Original in 2005, it was something of a gamble. Many drinkers at the time were enamored with wheated bourbons like Buffalo Trace’s Weller and Pappy, Maker’s Mark, and Heaven Hill’s own Old Fitzgerald—all of which offered softer profiles by using wheat as a flavoring grain instead of the usual rye. But Bernheim was a very different proposition—a whiskey with wheat as the main ingredient (its mashbill was 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley). It was the first modern example of wheat whiskey, a rare style dating back to the 1800s that had nearly vanished after Prohibition. By the time Bernheim hit the market, the style was virtually unknown.
While Bernheim Original certainly was a risky release, it was well received, earning “Pioneer of the Year” honors from Whisky Advocate predecessor publication Malt Advocate. Two decades later, it’s still going strong. Today wheat whiskey is starting to come into its own, with numerous distillers like Laws, Dry Fly, Maker’s Mark, Old Elk, Frey Ranch, and others. But among that crowd, Bernheim stands out for its quality, having been the first wheat whiskey to ever appear on our prestigious Top 20 lists. We tasted and scored its two latest offerings: a commemorative 10 year old and a new Barrel Proof batch.
Wheat Meets Heat
The first newcomer focuses primarily on age, leading with a 10 year old age statement. It’s certainly one of the oldest expressions we’ve seen from Bernheim, though Heaven Hill has released older wheat whiskeys under other labels like Parker’s Heritage and the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection. The 10 year old, released in February, sports a unique copper label that depicts an entire bushel of wheat instead of the brand’s typical single sheaf. It was bottled at 57.5% ABV.
The second celebratory bottling is an iteration of Bernheim Barrel Proof (Batch A226), higher proof. Barrel Proof got its start some years ago as an exclusive tasting for visitors at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, but in 2023 it became an annual expression with batches released twice a year around February and September. Batch A226 is running a bit behind schedule and is expected to hit shelves nationwide sometime this month. Each batch is a blend of 7 to 9 year olds bottled at cask strength, which naturally leads to variable proof points from batch to batch. At 62% ABV, A226 is one of the higher-strength ones we’ve seen from the series—falling just between last year’s batches A225 (62.7%) and C925 (59.2%).
How Do Bernheim’s 20th Anniversary Whiskeys Taste?
Bernheim Original 10 year old 20th Anniversary Small Batch Wheat Whiskey
Score: 94
ABV: 57.5%
SRP: $85
Availability: Nationwide
Raspberry truffles, whipped cream, vanilla soft serve, and chocolate syrup create a nose reminiscent of an ice cream parlor, rounded out with soft cinnamon spice. The palate keeps the ball rolling with indulgent dark chocolate, fudge, tartufo, blackberry jam, ground baking spices, and oak. Dark berries, more chocolate, and baked fruits all take the lead on the finish, joined by cinnamon, nutmeg, and aged oak. A well-executed wheat whiskey that’ll surely appeal to bourbon drinkers.
Bernheim Original Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey (Batch A226)
Score: 92
ABV: 62%
SRP: $67
Availability: Nationwide
This keeps the ice cream theme alive with vanilla sherbet, waffle cone, caramel, chopped walnuts, toasted almond, and black cherry drizzle on the nose. It’s a bit fruitier on the palate, offering cherry pie, raspberry coulis, powdered sugar, chocolate sprinkles, and a bit of peppery heat from the proof. The finish adds blackberry cobbler, spiced fruit preserves, baking spices, and oak. It’s just a touch on the hot side when sipping neat, but it takes ice very well.
