There are indeed 100% corn bourbons available in the market today. While traditionally bourbon is made from a mash bill that includes a mix of grains, including corn, rye, and barley, there has been a rise in the popularity of bourbons made exclusively from corn. These bourbons, often referred to as “corn bourbons” or “corn whiskeys,” offer a unique flavor profile and are gaining recognition among whiskey enthusiasts.
One notable distillery that specializes in 100% corn bourbon is Balcones Distilling, located in Texas. Their True Blue 100% Corn Whisky is made entirely from roasted blue corn and has a distinct character with rich, sweet flavors. Balcones has been at the forefront of the craft whiskey movement and their commitment to using 100% corn showcases their dedication to innovation and pushing the boundaries of traditional bourbon production.
Another distillery that produces 100% corn bourbon is Reservoir Distillery, based in Virginia. Their Reservoir Bourbon is made from a mash bill consisting of 100% corn, which results in a smooth and slightly sweet whiskey with notes of caramel and vanilla. Reservoir takes pride in their handcrafted approach, producing small batches of bourbon to ensure quality and attention to detail.
Tuthilltown Distillery in New York is known for their Hudson Baby Bourbon, which is also made from 100% corn. This bourbon has a unique character with hints of spice and a smooth finish. Tuthilltown Distillery has gained recognition for their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distilling methods.
Yellow Rose Distilling, based in Texas, also offers a 100% corn bourbon called Outlaw Bourbon. This bourbon is aged in small barrels, which allows for greater interaction between the whiskey and the wood, resulting in a rich and flavorful spirit. Yellow Rose Distilling takes pride in their Texas roots and aims to create high-quality bourbons that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
High Wire Distilling in South Carolina produces a 100% Jimmy Red Corn Bourbon, named after the heirloom corn variety used in its production. This bourbon offers a distinct flavor profile with notes of citrus and honey, showcasing the unique characteristics of the Jimmy Red corn. High Wire Distilling focuses on using locally grown grains and traditional distilling methods to create their spirits.
FEW Spirits, based in Illinois, produces a 100% corn bourbon as well. Their Bourbon Whiskey is made from a mash bill consisting of 70% corn, 20% malted barley, and 10% rye. While not exclusively corn, it still highlights the use of corn as the primary grain in the bourbon. FEW Spirits takes a craft approach to their distilling process, focusing on quality ingredients and small-batch production.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and appreciate 100% corn bourbons. These bourbons often offer a unique sweetness and smoothness that sets them apart from traditional bourbons made with a mix of grains. The use of 100% corn allows for a more focused flavor profile, showcasing the characteristics of the corn itself. While these bourbons may not be as widely available as their traditional counterparts, they are certainly worth exploring for whiskey enthusiasts looking for something different and unique.
To summarize, the availability of 100% corn bourbons is growing, with distilleries such as Balcones, Reservoir Distillery, Tuthilltown Distillery, Yellow Rose Distilling, High Wire Distilling, and FEW Spirits leading the way. These bourbons offer a distinct flavor profile and highlight the versatility of corn as a primary grain in bourbon production. Whiskey enthusiasts looking for something new and exciting should definitely consider exploring the world of 100% corn bourbons.