Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc. of Bardstown , Ky. , is launching the newest addition to the American whiskey landscape -- Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey.  It is the first wheat whiskey to enter the United States market, according to the Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

To help with the vitally important packaging aspects of its newest whiskey spirits, named after the historic Bernheim Distillery in which Heaven Hill distills all of its whiskey, it engaged the global services and resources of Saxco International Inc. of Horsham , Pa. , worldwide packaging specialists for the wine and spirits industry.

According to Larry Coomes, regional sales representative for Saxco International, Saxco sourced and supplied a new 750-mL book-shaped flint bottle from O-I Europe, a long-time vendor.  �This was a new mold being employed for the first time,� Coomes explains.

In addition, Saxco arranged for Serigraphie of Montreal, another frequently called upon vendor, to handle the beige applied-ceramic labeling for the bottle.  Saxco additionally supplied a black plastic top cork stopper through J.C. Ribeiro, another in its worldwide vendor network.

Heaven Hill Distilleries arranged for the bottle�s handsome copper medallion label with wheat etchings and its wax closure.

The new whiskey is the first of its kind.  Parker and Craig Beam, father and son master distillers for Heaven Hill Distilleries, developed the wheat formula with a minimum 51 percent winter wheat.  The recipe also blends in corn and rye.  �The wheat contributes a much richer, more mellow flavor to the whiskey,� explains Parker Beam.  �Even as a young whiskey, it compares favorably with many fine older spirits.�

The 5-year-old whiskey was originally distilled in January 2000.  The recipe�s maturity was evident from the beginning.  �As we tested it in the early years, it seemed to mature at an accelerated pace and took on a distinctive sophistication typically associated with older spirits,� states the elder Beam.  �We ended up with a fine whiskey we know our loyal customers will truly enjoy and appreciate.�

According to Heaven Hill�s marketing manager Kirstin Jackson , Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey will be launched initially in 13 U.S. markets including Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado and Illinois.  �We expect it to slowly grow into additional markets in the near future,�Jackson notes.

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation�s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill's diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler's Rum; Burnett's Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; Scotch Whiskies; Irish Whiskeys; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown , Ky.