Heaven Hill’s barrel proof renditions of their core bourbons, like Larceny and Elijah Craig, always punch above their weight. In fact, both have claimed the title of our Whisky of the Year. Starting in 2023, they applied that same winning formula to their wheat whiskey, Bernheim. The first of two annual releases in 2024, this follows the standard mashbill of 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley and includes barrels aged 7-9 years. The aroma is driven by sweet vanilla, while flavors of fruit, root beer spices, and generous oak—a hallmark of the barrel proof lineup—are nicely integrated. —Jeffery Lindenmuth