There is a lot to like about Bernheim Barrel Proof A223 on paper. At 118.8 proof and $64.99, let us see if it lives up to expectations.
Palate
Having tried this in the morning then again, outside during the hottest part of a beautiful sunny day this is an easy sipper. For 118.8 proof, Im just as surprised. The wheat is very much apparent, that can be easily pinpointed. But typical, semi dull wheat characteristics are overpowered with lightly toasted French bread smothered in salty Irish butter and accompanied by pan fried brussel sprouts topped with maple bacon bits. Now the mouthfeel is where this baby shines. The juice makes a strong appearance and makes its presence very clear. But as it joins the party down south, the mouth and throat are coated in velvet. My only wish is that the sensation would last longer. It has me reaching for another sip, then another, then also has me questioning myself Do I actually not like wheat whiskey?
Finish
Lemon meringue pie, drizzled in maple syrup for extra sweetness. Alongside the solid dessert, a liquid dessert to accompany it is next. A mug of hot cocoa with milk chocolate, frothed to perfection almond milk, and finished off with cracked black pepper. Sitting awhile longer with it, the sweetness turns to heavily savory. Its BBQ slab of ribs smothered in Japanese BBQ sauce and a whisper of fig balsamic vinegar. Im well versed when it comes to the Heaven Hill line up. Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Pikesville, Rittenhouse, Larceny and now I can add Bernheim. Like I said multiple times before, I am not a wheat whiskey gal. With that I wasnt the most enthused to take this review on, but after tasting, diving in depth about the distillery, and trusting that I love the others in the Heaven Hill line up why wouldnt I enjoy this one?rnrnBernheim Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is a fabulous bottle to turn to when desiring an approachable barrel strength and to explore how wheat whiskey can shine. With its price point and likely accessibility, this is one I will be keeping an eye out for as future batches are released into the wild.
The Bottom Line
Bernheim Barrel Proof A223 is a perfectly respectable whiskey that does what it sets out to do. At $64.99, the value is reasonable — it will not blow your mind, but it will not disappoint you either. A reliable choice.
