As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and experience various corn whiskeys throughout my career. While personal preferences can vary, I can certainly provide you with a list of some highly regarded corn whiskeys that are known for their quality and flavor profiles. Here are a few recommendations:
1. Heaven Hill Corn Whiskey: Heaven Hill is one of the top producers of corn whiskey in the US, and their corn whiskey is highly regarded for its smoothness and rich flavor. It is made with a mash bill that includes corn, rye, and malted barley, resulting in a well-balanced spirit with a hint of spiciness.
2. MGP Ingredients Corn Whiskey: MGP Ingredients, also known as the Ross and Squibb Distillery, is another prominent producer of corn whiskey. Their corn whiskey is made with a similar mash bill to Heaven Hill, incorporating corn, rye, and malted barley. It offers a smooth and slightly sweet taste, with notes of caramel and vanilla.
3. Balcones True Blue corn whiskey: Balcones is a craft distillery based in Texas, known for their innovative and high-quality spirits. Their True Blue corn whiskey is made from 100% roasted blue corn, which imparts a unique flavor profile to the whiskey. It has a rich and robust character, with notes of roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and a touch of smoke.
4. Hudson Baby Bourbon: While not strictly a corn whiskey, Hudson Baby Bourbon deserves a mention for its exceptional quality and use of corn in the mash bill. Produced by Tuthilltown Spirits in New York, this bourbon is made with a mash bill that includes 100% corn. It offers a sweet and smooth taste, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
5. Journeyman Last Feather Rye: Although this whiskey is primarily a rye whiskey, it is worth mentioning for its unique mash bill that includes a significant amount of corn. Produced by Journeyman Distillery in Michigan, Last Feather Rye is made with a blend of rye, corn, and malted barley. It exhibits a smooth and well-rounded flavor profile, with hints of caramel, honey, and baking spices.
It's important to note that taste preferences can vary greatly, and what may be enjoyable for one person may not be the same for another. I encourage you to explore these corn whiskeys and others, and find the ones that best suit your own palate. Experimentation and personal exploration are key to discovering your favorite corn whiskeys. Cheers!