Who is Jimmy Red?

Answered by Christopher Steppe

Jimmy Red is a name that holds great significance in the world of moonshining and corn cultivation. This legendary corn variety was named after James Island, which is located just over the bridge from Charleston, South Carolina. It was this region where Jimmy Red corn was first discovered and cultivated.

The story of Jimmy Red corn is steeped in history and mystery. It was known to be a favorite among moonshiners due to its high sugar content, which resulted in a more flavorful and potent moonshine. However, as the moonshining industry declined and regulations tightened, the cultivation of Jimmy Red corn dwindled.

At one point, there was only a single farmer left growing Jimmy Red corn. His name was Ted Chewning, and he was known as the last man to grow this historic corn variety. However, after his passing, only two cobs of Jimmy Red corn remained, placing this unique corn on the brink of extinction.

Enter Chef Sean Brock, a renowned chef and culinary preservationist. He had a deep appreciation for heirloom ingredients and the stories they held. When he learned about the endangered status of Jimmy Red corn, he made it his mission to save this historic variety from extinction.

Chef Brock worked tirelessly to locate the remaining two cobs of Jimmy Red corn and partnered with Anson Mills, a company known for their commitment to preserving heirloom grains. Together, they embarked on a journey to revive this nearly-lost corn variety.

The process of reviving Jimmy Red corn was not an easy one. The two remaining cobs were carefully nurtured and cross-pollinated to produce a small quantity of seeds. These seeds were then planted and cultivated, resulting in the successful growth of a new crop of Jimmy Red corn.

Today, Jimmy Red corn has made a remarkable comeback, thanks to the efforts of Chef Sean Brock and the team at Anson Mills. It is now being grown by a select group of farmers in the Charleston area, ensuring its continued existence and availability for future generations.

What makes Jimmy Red corn truly special is not just its historic significance, but also its exceptional flavor. This corn variety is known for its rich, nutty, and slightly sweet taste. It possesses a unique combination of flavors that sets it apart from other corn varieties.

As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the privilege of working with Jimmy Red corn in various forms. I have tasted its sweet kernels in freshly made cornbread, experienced its depth of flavor in moonshine, and even experimented with incorporating it into craft recipes.

One particular experience that stands out to me is when I had the opportunity to taste a small-batch made with Jimmy Red corn. The had a distinct character that I had never encountered before. It had a rich, caramel-like sweetness with hints of vanilla and spice. The unique flavor profile of Jimmy Red corn truly shone through in this exceptional bourbon.

Jimmy Red is not just a corn variety, but a symbol of heritage, perseverance, and the power of culinary preservation. Its near-extinction and subsequent revival serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our culinary history and the flavors that make our food and drinks truly special. Through the efforts of dedicated individuals like Chef Sean Brock, Jimmy Red corn continues to thrive, ensuring that its story and flavors will be cherished for generations to come.