Mellow Corn is not considered bourbon because of the specific aging process it undergoes. While bourbon must be aged in new charred American oak barrels, Mellow Corn uses once-used barrels. This distinction sets it apart from traditional bourbons and classifies it as a corn whiskey.
The aging process is a critical factor in defining different types of whiskey. Bourbon, by law, must be aged in new charred oak barrels. These barrels provide distinct flavors and characteristics to the whiskey, contributing to its rich and complex profile. The use of new barrels ensures that the wood imparts its flavors and aromas more prominently.
On the other hand, Mellow Corn opts for once-used barrels. This means that the barrels have already been used to age another type of whiskey or spirit before being used to age Mellow Corn. By reusing the barrels, the flavors and aromas from the previous aging process have already been extracted, resulting in a milder influence on the final product.
The choice to use once-used barrels in Mellow Corn's production may be attributed to a desire to create a whiskey with a lighter and more refined flavor profile. By utilizing barrels that have already imparted their initial flavors, Mellow Corn can focus more on the inherent sweetness and characteristics of the corn itself.
It's worth noting that Mellow Corn still meets the criteria to be considered a bourbon in terms of its mashbill, which consists of 80% corn. However, the use of once-used barrels deviates from the traditional aging requirements set forth for bourbons.
Now, let's delve into my personal experience with Mellow Corn. When I first encountered Mellow Corn, I was intrigued by its unique classification as a corn whiskey rather than a bourbon. Being a fan of bourbon, I was curious to explore the differences and see how the aging process influenced the flavor.
Upon tasting Mellow Corn, I immediately noticed its smoothness and sweetness. The corn flavors were more pronounced, and there was a subtle hint of oak from the once-used barrels. Compared to bourbons aged in new barrels, Mellow Corn had a lighter and more delicate profile. It lacked some of the boldness and depth typically associated with bourbons.
While I appreciate the distinctiveness of Mellow Corn as a corn whiskey, I can understand why it may not be classified as a bourbon. The use of once-used barrels alters the aging process and results in a whiskey that deviates from the traditional bourbon flavor profile.
Mellow Corn is not considered bourbon because it uses once-used barrels during the aging process, deviating from the requirement for bourbons to be aged in new charred American oak barrels. This choice gives Mellow Corn its unique identity as a corn whiskey, with a lighter and more refined flavor profile compared to traditional bourbons.