Review #551 - Bernheim Barrel Proof Batch A225
While Elijah Craig, and to a lesser extent Larceny, get most of the fame when it comes to Barrel Proof versions of Heaven Hill whiskies, there's also a third series with seasonal releases from the distillery: Bernheim Barrel Proof, a wheat whisky. This is a more recent addition to the distillery's lineup, with the first batches arriving in 2023; unlike Elijah Craig and Larceny, which each see 3 batches per year, this Bernheim whisky has so far arrived twice per year.
There's no age statement on the bottle, but the side label states that the age range of the barrels used is 7 to 9 years; this first batch of 2025, which arrived in February, sports a barrel proof strength of 62.7% ABV (125.4 proof). The mashbill, which is printed right on the front label, consists of 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley.
Bernheim Barrel Proof Batch A225
USA - Wheat
Price: USD 64 (2025)
Age Statement: NAS
Strength: 62.7% ABV
Details: Not chill filtered, batch A225, bottled 2025
Tasting Methodology: Reviewed 1 time; bottle 90% fill level at time of review. Tasted in a nosing glass, rested 15+ minutes
Nose: Vanilla, a bit buttery, and you can sense the heat on the nose. Butterscotch brings a sweeter side, while there's some mild oak - subtle notes of leather and varnished wood. Later, a soft pecan nut scent appears.
Palate: A thick mouthfeel, and the strength comes through - it's a bit hot. Oak is richer now, bringing wood spice, some drying tannins; it leans a little dry overall, though we get soft caramel and vanilla notes. Cinnamon arrives later with brown sugar - cinnamon red hot candies.
Finish: Vanilla, almonds, a bit starchy and oaky; there's a nice smoky leather note, and we get some lighter flavors like candy corn and freshly laundered linen in the aftertaste. It's still quite warm, and the finish is medium-long.
Final Note: A solid wheat whisky - this displays some of the classic characteristics that we tend to find with this style. Nice soft sweet notes, a decent amount of oak influence for the age; lots of vanilla especially. This is a pleasant sipper, if a bit hot, but it doesn't provide the same complexity as some older whiskies like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof; then again, that's like comparing apples to oranges considering the differences in mashbill.
Value is good though, above average. This is the most reasonably priced of Heaven Hill's 'Barrel Proof' series - a bottle comes in just over $60 in our area, which is a good price for barrel proof whisky around 8 years old.
Our Average Rating: 7.0 / 10
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
Value Rating: 7.00
About Us: We're a husband and wife review team living in the Midwest United States. Generally, our reviews and tasting notes will be a compilation of both of our experiences with a whisky over several tasting sessions.
Check out our other reviews of wheat whiskies:
