Bernheim Barrel Proof vs. Heaven Hill 19-Year Wheat Whiskey – Same Mash Bill, Two Very Different Stories
Bernheim Barrel Proof vs. Heaven Hill 19-Year Wheat Whiskey – Same Mash Bill, Two Very Different Stories
Intro:
This episode of Tortured Bourbon dives deep into one of our favorite bourbon rabbit holes: how two whiskeys from the same distillery, using the exact same mash bill, can end up tasting—and costing—so differently. We’re talking Bernheim Barrel Proof versus Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 19-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey.
Yes, you read that right. Both of these wheat whiskeys come from Heaven Hill and use the same mash bill: 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley. But the similarities stop there.
Bernheim Barrel Proof (Batch A224):
Style: Wheat Whiskey
Proof: 122.6
Age: ~7–9 years
MSRP: ~$65–85
Release: Ongoing limited batch
Heaven Hill 19-Year Wheat Whiskey:
Style: Ultra-aged Wheat Whiskey
Proof: ~115
Age: 19 years
MSRP: $300+
Release: Annual limited Heritage Collection
So… what gives?
Is the 19-year just a fancied-up Bernheim with fancy packaging and a wax seal? Or is it a wheat whiskey masterpiece that tells a story only time can write?
Our Showdown Segments:
Tasting – We try both whiskeys
Aged to Perfection… Or Past Its Prime? – The HH19 spent 19 years in oak. Is that a good thing?
Bourbon Math – Heather breaks down the cost per year aged. Spoiler: it’s $12/year… not including emotional damage from the wax.
Final Verdict – Which one would we actually buy again?
Tasting Notes:
Bernheim Barrel Proof
Expect toasted marshmallow, vanilla cream, grainy wheat sweetness, and a punch of fresh oak and cinnamon. Bright and bold.
Heaven Hill 19-Year
Goes deep with antique wood, pipe tobacco, musty barrel funk, dark fruit, and a long, earthy finish. Complex, but maybe too much oak for some palates.
Wrap-Up:
This episode is bourbon nerd gold. If you’ve ever wanted to understand how age, proof, and barrel time transform a whiskey, this is your jam.
🎬 Watch the full episode on YouTube.
🛒 Grab Bernheim if you can find it. Think everyday muscle.
💸 HH19? That’s an investment piece—great for collectors or a flex at your next whiskey tasting.
