Discover the differences between Bernheim vs Larceny in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!
Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey
| Nose | Caramel, honey, cinnamon |
| Palate | Caramel, bread crust, nutmeg, oak |
| Finish | Medium, caramel, bread |
| Alcohol content | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| How to drink | Neat |
| Similar to | Woodford Wheat, Weller SR |
Bernheim was introduced in 2005 becoming the first wheat whiskey in the United States as it’s made from a mash comprised of 51% winter wheat, 37% corn and 12% malted barley.
This contrasts to most wheated bourbons such as Weller or Maker’s Mark that only carry small portions of wheat in the mash.
The nose brings caramel and honey sweetness at first, along a touch of cinnamon.
On the palate, Bernheim feels a bit thin missing in body. Flavor is smooth and sweet, with caramel hitting first, giving way to bread crust, a drizzle of nutmeg and a bit of toasty oak.
The finish has a decent length, with more caramel to it and a bready note.
Nothing remarkable about it but nothing to dislike besides the lack of body delivering a nice and easy everyday sip and good value for the money.
There are a few facts worth knowing about the Bernheim Wheat Whiskey:
- Aged for 7 years.
- Pioneer Whiskey of the Year Award by Malt Advocate Magazine.
- Double Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Larceny Small Batch
| Nose | Banana bread, vanilla, butterscotch |
| Palate | Banana, caramel, oak |
| Finish | Caramel, oak spice |
| Alcohol content | 92 proof (46% ABV) |
| How to drink | Add water |
| Similar to | Larceny Barrel Proof, Maker’s Mark |
Larceny is a wheated bourbon made from a mash comprised of 68% corn, 20% wheat and 12% malted barley making it taste more like a traditional bourbon.
There is a bit of nose burn at first that turns into a noticeable banana bread hint, along vanilla and butterscotch.
The first sip feels hot but mellows out pretty quick providing caramel sweetness and more banana bread with a bit of oak spice. The texture feels somewhat thin but still has some body.
Finish is sweet and somewhat warm yet satisfying.
Adding a splash of water tunes down the mild heat making it sweeter and even easier to drink.
Larceny is not the smoothest wheated bourbon but drinks quite nicely. Definitely not as good as the top bourbons in this category but it’s price makes it quite attractive.
This is a sweet wheated bourbon, rich in flavors, with not much heat that can easily be tuned-down with water making it an easy drinking bourbon that you can enjoy everyday.
There are a few facts worth knowing about Larceny Small Batch:
- Does not have an age statement but is aged between 6 to 12 years.
- Earned 93 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
- Named one of the top 20 spirits in the world by F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.
- Named a “Best Buy” by Whisky Magazine.
- Larceny gets its name from John E. Fitzgerald who was a treasury agent who used his keys to Kentucky bourbon warehouses to steal barrels and bottle them under his own brand.
What do Bernheim and Larceny have in common?
Both crafted at the Heaven Hill Distillery
Bernheim and Larceny are made at the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, KY along other brands such as Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Pikesville, Rittenhouse, among others.
The difference in mash bills and barrel management make these bourbons sufficiently different.
Bernheim vs Larceny: Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Bernheim | $33 |
| Larceny | $30 |
Bernheim Original Wheat vs Larceny Small Batch: Which is better?
Bernheim is a smoother whiskey
| Whiskey | Bernheim | Larceny |
| Nose | ✅ | |
| Body | ✅ | |
| Palate | ✅ | |
| Finish | ✅ | |
| Value | ✅ | ✅ |
- Bernheim is an easier sip than the Larceny making it easier to like.
- Bernheim is completely inoffensive, with no harsh or troubling notes and very little warmth making a nice and easy sip.
- Larceny is not bad, it’s more tasty but a bit warmer, but nothing that a drop of water can’t make more palatable.
- Personally, I prefer the Larceny as it feels more punchy and richer in character.
I am a bar and liquor shop owner in Oaxaca, Mexico where I have tasted hundreds of different spirits; perhaps more than I should!