| Distillery | Heaven Hill Distillery |
| Alcohol | 50% |
| Composition | 90% corn 10% rye & barley |
| Aged | 4 years |
| Color | Golden yellow |
| Price | $12(750 ml) |
The Art of Making
Mellow Corn whiskey is made from 53% corn and 47% rye/barley grains, water, yeast and sugar. The corn provides a sweetness to the whiskey while the rye grain adds more spice. A high quality yeast is essential for fermentation, adding flavor to the finished product. The sugar can come from either molasses or cane sugar but it helps provide body and texture to the alcohol.
The Process
Once all of the ingredients have been gathered, it’s time to start making the whiskey. First, prep your ingredients by grinding them into a fine powder or meal called mash. Next, add hot water (up to 160°F) which will help break down starches into sugars known as wort. Once this step is complete, add some cool water in order to bring down temperature enough for yeast before you add it into the mixture – this process takes about 30 minutes before you can pitch your yeast into the mixture and let it sit for about 48 hours in order for the fermentation process to begin. After fermentation has taken place (which requires closely monitoring temperatures), distillers must then move onto the aging process where they fill oak barrels with distilled spirit; this allows mellowing of liquor which often takes anywhere from 1-3 years time! Finally once the desired level has been achieved – bottling & labeling are the last steps before a product can be released onto market!
Tasting Notes
NOSE: With a soft and light aroma, this beverage is dominated by the essences of vanilla and corn. Additionally, hints of spice, citrus, honey and Juicy Fruit gum add an exquisite touch to its flavor profile.
PALATE: It’s not very complex or heavy, but its aroma is delightful – think of vanilla taffy and Juicy Fruit gum! The underlying notes are then a combination of light toffee, spice and citrus. These subtle nuances will surely make the nose smile.
FINISH: On a medium finish, the flavors of Vanilla, Juicy Fruit gum, marshmallows and corn come alive.
The History of Mellow Corn
Mellow Corn was first created in 1888 by Charles Lanman, who had recently moved to Kentucky from Virginia. He used the finest corn grown in his new home state to produce his whiskey and named it Mellow Corn because it was easier to drink than other whiskeys due to its smoothness.
The whiskey quickly became popular across the United States, but it wasn’t until Prohibition that it really began to take off. Since alcohol was illegal during this time, some producers decided to take advantage of loopholes that allowed them to continue producing whiskey for “medicinal purposes” — one such producer was Charles Lanman. He began producing Mellow Corn under the name Old Doc’s Whiskey and sold it as a remedy for various ailments. It quickly grew in popularity, especially on the East Coast.
After Prohibition ended in 1933, production of Mellow Corn resumed under its original name and by 1934 it had become one of America’s most popular whiskies. During this time, Charles Lanman also began marketing his product with an iconic label featuring a jolly old man enjoying a glass of his own product alongside a younger man (presumably his son). This label is still used today and has become synonymous with the brand itself.
Unforgettable Cocktails with Mellow Corn Whiskey
Old Fashioned
This classic cocktail is made with sugar, Angostura bitters, and orange peel, and gets an extra kick from Mellow Corn whiskey. Start by muddling two sugar cubes in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters and mix until dissolved. Then add one ounce of Mellow Corn whiskey and stir until combined. Fill the glass with ice, garnish with an orange slice, and enjoy!
Mellow Manhattan
This sophisticated cocktail combines the smooth flavor of Mellow Corn with sweet vermouth and a hint of maraschino cherry liqueur for a unique spin on this classic drink. Start by combining 2 ounces of Mellow Corn whiskey, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, and 1/2 ounce maraschino cherry liqueur in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with sugar syrup before garnishing with two maraschino cherries on a skewer. Enjoy!
Mint Julep
For something truly unique and refreshing, try this Mint Julep recipe featuring Mellow Corn whiskey. Start by adding 1/4 oz simple syrup to a julep cup along with five mint leaves (muddled). Add 2 ounces of Mellow Corn whiskey and fill the cup up halfway full with crushed ice (or regular ice if crushed isn’t available). Stir until the outside of the cup begins to frost over before filling the remaining space in the cup with more ice. Garnish with mint sprigs before serving!
Conclusion
Mellow Corn Whiskey offers something different than other whiskeys; its light flavor profile makes it a great choice if you’re looking for something mellow yet flavorful enough to sip neat or mix into cocktails without overpowering them. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or just getting started in your journey through spirits exploration, Mellow Corn is sure to become one your new favorites! So don’t hesitate—give this classic American spirit a try today!
