Description
Bold, grain-heavy and uncompromising, this barrel-proof wheat whiskey delivers full-throttle intensity while retaining a unique wheat-mash softness. For enthusiasts seeking something rugged, direct and unapologetically proof-driven, this one delivers—but it also shows the challenge of wheat-whiskey maturation in full strength form.
Origins & Craftsmanship
Produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery (Bardstown, Kentucky) under the brand Bernheim, this release continues the “Barrel Proof” line of straight wheat whiskeys—the first of its kind in the modern era to use winter wheat as the primary grain. The mash bill is roughly 51% wheat, 37% corn and 12% malted barley. This particular batch (labeled C925 but referred to internally as B925) is aged between 7 and 9 years, and bottled at a formidable 118.4 proof (~59.2% ABV).
The open-air rickhouses in Bardstown contribute to its ageing profile, and the full strength, non-chill-filtered approach ensures the raw character of the barrels is fully expressed.
Critics Reviews
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Reviewer Eric Hasman of Breaking Bourbon described Batch C925 (effectively B925) as: “the nose opens with butterscotch, hay, raspberry and light seasoned oak… palate begins well (cinnamon and prune) but the finish succumbs to astringent oak and burnt cinnamon, which overshadows the sweet start.”
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Spirits writer Drew Beard at Bourbon & Banter reviewed the 2025 release and said: “Big, buttery, vanilla rich and spicy—top of the line for the series… still the wheat-whiskey benchmark for value at full proof.”
These reviews illustrate the dual nature of this whiskey—exciting wheat-forward flavours but also tight oak and intensity that can challenge the drinker.
Tasting Profile
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Nose: Golden amber colour. Aromas of butterscotch, freshly-cut hay, light raspberry, mild agave and seasoned oak staves.
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Palate: Rich and robust—sweet wheat-grain core with corn-driven vanilla, honeyed malt, then cinnamon and prune heat. The proof builds steadily.
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Finish: Long and assertive. A mixture of burnt cinnamon, dry/oak tannin and slight bitter edge. While fruit and sweetness were present early, the astringent oak asserts itself firmly at the end.
Quick Overview
| ABV / Proof | Origin / Region | Mash Bill / Production | Aging / Maturation | Aromas & Flavors | Style / Identity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~59.2% ABV / 118.4 proof | Bardstown, Kentucky, USA | 51% wheat • 37% corn • 12% malted barley | 7-9 yrs in new charred oak, open-air rickhouse | Butterscotch, hay, raspberry, vanilla, cinnamon, oak tannin | Full-proof American wheat whiskey; intense, grain-forward |
Reviews
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