Discover the differences between Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey vs Weller Special Reserve in this head to head 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 | Larceny Small Batch |
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.
Weller Special Reserve
| Nose | Maple, apple, leather, oak |
| Palate | Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, baking spice |
| Finish | Old leather, cinnamon, oak |
| Alcohol content | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| How to drink | Neat, add water |
| Similar to | Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare |
Weller was the first bourbon back in 1849 to add wheat to the mash as a secondary grain behind corn, although it only carries around 15% wheat in the mash.
Nose is smooth and mostly sweet, rich in maple honey, apples, with some old leather and oak coming behind.
On the palate, the Special Reserve brings caramel, vanilla and cinnamon at first, followed by dark chocolate and a dash of citrus.
Finish is warming yet pleasant, somewhat dry, with lasting flavors of old leather, spicy cinnamon candy and oak spice.
Drinks nicely neat with very little to no burn, yet adding a drop of water releases sweetness, along more oak making it more tasty.
Weller Special Reserve is smooth and sweet as you would expect from a wheated bourbon. It could use more body as it feels to be lacking a bit, but overall this is a satisfying pour nonetheless.
There are a few facts worth knowing about Weller Special Reserve:
- Weller is aged anywhere from 4 to 7 years.
- Earned a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Weller is crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery along the Buffalo Trace, Pappy van Winkle, E.H. Taylor, Blanton’s, George Stagg, among others.
Bernheim vs Weller: Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Bernheim | $33 |
| Weller | $60 |
Bernheim Original Wheat vs Weller Special Reserve: Which is better?
Weller is a richer bourbon than Bernheim
| Whiskey | Bernheim | Weller |
| Nose | ✅ | ✅ |
| Body | ✅ | ✅ |
| Palate | ✅ | |
| Finish | ✅ | |
| Value | ✅ |
- Bernheim provides great value for the money, compares positively to bourbons like Maker’s Mark but still short of pours like Weller that delivers a more flavorful and complex pour.
- Th Bernheim is a nice and easy everyday sip and a great alternative to Weller when trying to save a few bucks in these uncertain times.
- But if money is not an issue treat yourself with the Special Reserve and enjoy.
I am a bar and liquor shop owner in Oaxaca, Mexico where I have tasted hundreds of different spirits; perhaps more than I should!