It Doesn’t Need To Come From Kentucky
You may have heard that in order to be a bourbon, the whiskey has to be from Kentucky. That’s not quite truebourbon can be made outside that state. But to be designated a “Kentucky bourbon,” the spirit has to be both distilled and aged in Kentucky. The name “bourbon” even comes from old Bourbon, what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky. Most bourbon is made in Kentucky, but not all, so it has become synonymous with the spirit, much as the Champagne region in France is synonymous with champagne, even though sparkling wine using similar methods is produced elsewhere. So next time you order a bourbon, you know that what you’ll be getting in your glass isn’t just a whiskey, but a specific kind of whiskey.
Colorados Own Corn Whiskey
Colorado Gold offers a collection of great whiskey, but their Corn Whiskey is their top seller. Aged for only six months in ex-bourbon barrels, this whiskey is a light one in both taste and appearance. It has a slight yellow tint to it and nothing more. The company is slowly building a name for itself as an exceptional craft distiller in a region thats becoming more and more known for its craft distilling.
While the flavors on this whiskey may not be intense, theyre quite pleasant and many find the lighter body and simple profile very easy to drink. Its a great sipping whiskey for a warm summer day when you dont want anything too overwhelming.
The aroma is full of husky corn and grass with a touch of sweetness. The palate follows with sweet and subtle notes of vanilla and caramel with a hint of corn chips in the background. It has a silky, smooth mouthfeel and it finishes on a slightly fruity note with a touch of wood notes on the very end.
Various Whiskey And Their Manufacturing Items
Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage made from malt, fermentation, and grain. Different whiskeys making uses various ingredients, which are barley, corn, rye, and wheat. These ingredients went through the process of malting.
Wooden barrels are where you can store the whiskey for an extended period, but you have to make sure that it should be made of charred white oak. Not everyone can drink whiskey as it is an alcohol brand, so there are restrictions worldwide to drink a different whiskey. Age limit is one of the main factors in this.
The second thing is class. There are types of people belonging to different categories, and not all are allowed to drink every kind of whiskey. One of the main factors in this is the pricing. Some whiskeys which are well aged and well fermented with genuine grains will cost you so high that an average person will not be able to buy it.
There are various brands to make low price whiskeys so that everyone can drink them. There are whiskeys which are made in different countries, and from other ingredients, some of them are Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskey, wheat grain whiskey, malt whiskey, and rye whiskey.
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What Is Corn Whiskey
Corn whiskey refers to a variety of distilled liquor produced using a certain percentage of corn mash. Basic corn whiskey, historically a kind of moonshine liquor, contains the highest percentage of corn mash and, unlike other varieties, does not require aging. Another American liquor distilled from corn is bourbon, which is aged in oak barrels for a minimum legally specified period of time, which allows it to develop a more complex flavor and color than that of unaged liquor. All corn whiskeys are distilled to a minimum of 40% alcohol , though bourbon is produced under a legal maximum for alcohol and proof.
Moonshine corn whiskey was especially prevalent in the United States during Prohibition from 1920 to 1933. Its easy production and quick aging were qualities that were highly beneficial to bootleggers who produced and sold alcohol illegally. Its legality has fluctuated throughout different U.S. regions since the end of Prohibition.
Is Tennessee Whiskey Made From Corn
In Tennessee Whiskey, for instance, at least five percent corn must be present. Besides barley and rye, Tennessee Whiskey might also be made from wheat, rye, or rye. All spirits are colorless when they come off the still, and whiskey is no exception. It is only after distilled spirits are aged in oak containers that whiskey is formed.
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Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon
Average Price:$56
The Whiskey:
Texas is a major whiskey destination these days, especially if you want 100 percent corn bourbons. This expression is made in Harris County and was Houstons first legal distillery. The mash is 100 percent yellow corn from the Panhandle. The juice is then loaded into small format barrels where it spends an undisclosed amount of years mellowing through southern Texas extreme weather ups and downs.
Tasting Notes:
This opens with a rush of caramel-covered pecans with a dash of salt next to a freshly opened can of creamed corn and a hint of floral honey lurking in the background. The taste holds onto that rich and creamy corn vibe, adding a bit of the husk, while it sweetens towards more salted caramel and a big wooden spoon of that floral honey. The finish is long and smooths out with vanilla, creating a corn pudding feel and taste with a hint of dark spice and a touch more honey-dipped woodiness.
Bottom Line:
This really amps up the corn from the nose to the finish, which is kind of refreshing for a bourbon. Weve heard some critics say that makes this a little too one-note for them. We think thats fair but also misses the point a little this is built as a yellow corn bourbon from stalk to a creamy, vanilla-laden dessert.
Bourbon Is Always Aged In New Charred Oak Barrels
Bourbon also must be aged in new charred oak barrels, and cannot include any additives or colorings. Other whiskeys can be aged in barrels previously used to age other spirits, and they don’t necessarily need to be whiskey barrelsport, sherry, and rum casks are used in the aging process for non-bourbon whiskeys. To be designated “straight bourbon whiskey,” bourbon has to have been aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
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Is Corn Liquor And Moonshine The Same Thing
Corn whiskey and white whiskey are basically the same thing. They are raw, unaged whiskeys made from a primarily corn mash at least 80% and distilled to a maximum of 160 proof. The term moonshine refers to spirits that havent been taxed which is illegal.
Why Is Rum So Cheap
I would say its mostly down to it being easier/ more cost effective to produce. Most rums are made from a molasses, an byproduct of sugar. Grain cost more to grow, then sugar.. I was listening to an expert on rums say something about the materials being cheaper, such as molasses, but also the barrels.
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Why Is Bourbon Made From Corn
The late Ova Haney, former Master Distiller at Four Roses, was once asked why is Bourbon made from Corn? His reply was Because that is what grows in Kentucky. If Kentucky grew rice it would have been made from rice. This is a very true statement but people often wonder why 51% corn is part of the regulations for Bourbon. The fact is that until the 20th century there was no regulation about how Bourbon was made and no corn requirement.
The first written record of Bourbon is from a 1821 newspaper. Bourbon is 195 years old and very different from what was being sold in 1821, Bourbon is whiskey aged in charred oak barrels. In 1821 there was no requirement that it had to be made from corn and you can bet that many barrels of rye whiskey was being sold as Bourbon in New Orleans in the early 19th century. Rye whiskey was making the trip down river from Pittsburgh the same as corn whiskey from Kentucky. When aged in charred barrels they both look very much alike and it would easy to call all aged whiskey Bourbon if it helped sell the barrel. Soon people began to prefer the whiskey that was made in Kentucky and that was made from corn. There are many hand-written recipes for making whiskey from the late 18th and early 19th centuries at the Filson Historical Society and the Kentucky Historical Society. They all have corn in common, a majority of corn, with rye or wheat added as a flavoring grain and malted barley.
Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon
Average Price:$65
The Whiskey:
This is the most unique bottle on the list and worth the search . Locally grown Texas blue corn is used to create a truly Texan bourbon. The juice is aged in the Balcones Waco rickhouse under the hot Texas sun, allowing the sugars from the wood to really imbue themselves into the bourbon. The results are vatted and bottled at cask-proof, letting every detail of the barrel shine through.
Tasting Notes:
Salted butter melting on freshly baked cornbread mingles with fresh tobacco, dried mint sprigs, and powdery white pepper. The sip then takes a left turn into Red Hots, orange marmalade, and fire-roasted marshmallow territory with black tea bitterness cutting through. The pepper and corn return on the finish as this one takes its time to say goodbye.
Bottom Line:
This is bold and not really like any other bourbon . And thats why we love it. This is the perfect bottle to reset a palate while expanding it. Its also a great cocktail base thanks to those hefty ABVs.
As a Drizly affiliate, Uproxx may receive a commission pursuant to certain items on this list.
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Whiskey : A Quick Guide To Grains
Ingredients matter. And regardless of where you are on your whiskey journey beginner or connoisseur you gain precious insight when you know what went into the glass you just poured. Understanding exactly what youre sipping heightens your ability to recognize, appreciate, and savor.
Each whiskey starts with a base of corn, rye, barley, and/or wheat grain. These grains along with the oak barrels theyre aged in define the taste and aroma of the spirit.
Most whiskeys are made with a blend of these grains, to create texture and depth and fully bring out the best flavor of each grain.
The question is, which whiskey grain will best satisfy your taste buds?
CornCorn whiskey is your best bet if you want an easy-drinking spirit. Its sweet honey, browned butter, and creamy flavors create an alluring base to keep you sipping, while its notes of toasted marshmallow derived from the use of charred American oak barrels add a top note that sets you over the edge.
To be considered bourbon, the whiskey must be made in America and contain at least 51 percent corn base. For the integrity of the spirit, this is a rule whiskey makers dont want to break.
RyeIf youre the type who prefers some heat with your whiskey, get a little spicy with rye. It boasts the same ripe and dried fruit flavors as corn-based whiskeys, but with some extra nuttiness and spiciness, and an inherent richness that makes it undeniably unique.
Corn Whiskey Defined & Recommended
Corn whiskeys are often assumed to be either low quality, moonshine, or both. Understandably, whiskey devotees generally overlook the category entirely. But its time to take a closer look. Today more distilleries are releasing high quality corn whiskeys to the marketa welcome change for this oft-forgotten category.
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Flavours And Colouring From Additives
Depending on the local regulations, additional flavourings and colouring compounds may be added to the whisky. Canadian whisky may contain caramel and flavouring in addition to the distilled mash spirits. Scotch whisky may contain added caramel colouring, but no other additives. The addition of flavourings is not allowed in American “straight” whiskey, but is allowed in American blends.
Straining The Mash And Wort
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What Ingredients Are Used To Make Whiskey
Whisky or whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Various grains are used for different varieties, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Whisky is typically aged in wooden casks, which are often old sherry casks or may also be made of charred white oak.
How To Enjoy Whiskey
Whiskey is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in many ways.
Most people drink whiskey straight or neat, which means by itself. Its typically recommended to drink whiskey this way at first to get a better idea of its flavor and aroma.
That said, adding a splash of water can help bring out its more subtle flavours. Additionally, you can drink whiskey with ice, commonly known as on the rocks.
If you dont like whiskeys taste by itself, you can try it in a cocktail.
Here are some popular whiskey cocktails:
- Old Fashioned. This cocktail is made from a combination of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water.
- Manhattan. Made from a combination of rye or bourbon whiskey, bitters, and sweet vermouth , a Manhattan is typically served with cherries.
- Classic highball. This drink is made from any style of whiskey, ice cubes, and ginger ale.
- Mint julep. Typically served at derbies, a mint julep is made from a combination of bourbon whiskey, sugar , mint leaves, and crushed ice.
- Whiskey sour. This cocktail is made from a combination of bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Its commonly served with ice and cherries.
- John Collins. Made similarly to a whiskey sour, this drink also contains club soda.
Keep in mind that many of these drinks contain added sugars and can pack a lot of calories. Like any alcoholic or sweetened beverage, its best to enjoy these drinks sparingly.
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What Is The Difference Between Corn Whiskey And Moonshine
Corn whiskey and white whiskey are basically the same thing. They are raw, unaged whiskeys made from a primarily corn mash at least 80% and distilled to a maximum of 160 proof. The term moonshine refers to spirits that havent been taxed which is illegal.
Strain & Wort The Mash
Strain the Mash
Scoop the mash to the cheesecloth bag, a little at a time. Squeeze the cheesecloth bag to separate grain solids from liquids. Placing a little amount of mash allows us to wring out the bag.
Aerate the Wort
Pour the mash back and forth between the two buckets to aerate the wort. Do this at least 15 times. Pour back and forth aggressively to see the formation of froth and bubbles.
Take the Specific Gravity Reading
At this point, its time to take a specific gravity reading. Fill a test tube using a hydrometer. Determining the specific gravity allows the distiller to know how much alcohol will be in the wash if the fermentation goes well.
Take a reading after the fermentation as well.
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How To Make Corn Whiskey
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jessica Gibson is a Writer and Editor who’s been with wikiHow since 2014. After completing a year of art studies at the Emily Carr University in Vancouver, she graduated from Columbia College with a BA in History. Jessica also completed an MA in History from The University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 51,971 times.Learn more…
If you’d like to try your hand at homemade whiskey, corn whiskey is a great one to start with. You’ll need to create a corn mash with a few basic ingredients . Strain the liquid and distill it in a pot still. With a little time and effort, you’ll soon be enjoying your own smooth, corn whiskey.