Mellow Corn Straight Corn Whiskey first popped on my radar in 2023.
However, like many liquors it isn’t sold in New Hampshire which controlled by the mafia New Hampshire Liquor Commission. I found out this week that bar owners can no longer order their own barrel picks without the state giving them allocation. When bars did their own barrel picks, the state would take delivery from the distributors. They then give the bar 6 months to buy all the bottles. After 6 months, the Liquor Commission then charges the distribution company a vig rent for the storage on the palate of remaining bottles. When the bottles sit for 12 months total the distribution company begins losing money. Because of this the state is now buying all the barrel picks and then allocating the picks at their own discretion. This is now making it’s way to the consumer as the shelves are filled with state barrel picks. I
So I took a trip to a chain in Massachusetts and bought a few bottles that I haven’t seen on the shelf, locally. The summer prior to this review I saw a lot of people posting about this liquor and it has me curious. While it meets the mashbill criteria, this isn’t a bourbon as they are aged in once used barrels at the Heaven Hill Distillery.
According to their website, “Mellow Corn is authentic American Corn Whiskey, a unique kind of straight whiskey that is rarely seen. As corn whiskey, it must be at least 80% corn grain in the mashbill and can be aged in new uncharred or used charred barrels. The forerunner and kissing cousin to Bourbon, American Straight Corn Whiskey has a recipe or mashbill that includes the minimum of 80% corn, the rest being malted barley and rye.”
Corn Whiskey Review: Mellow Corn
ABV: 50 (100 Proof)
Age: At Least 4 Years based on Bottled-in-Bond requirement
Mash Bill: 80% Corn, 20% Rye & Malted Barley
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distilleries
Location: Bardstown, KY (USA)
The Nose: I expected a ton of ethanol but was surprised I didn’t get much on the fire over-zealous pull from the glass. What I did was that sensation of jumping into a pool that has a bit too much chlorine. Letting the glass sit for a few as I recovered, I went back in for a softer pull of the aroma. It was here that I was treated to vanilla, powdered sugar and tostones (a fried plantain).
The Taste: Corn chips are easily obtained on the front end of the sip and the lingering finish. The mouthfeel is quite oily and the color is that of cooking oil. There are additional notes of plantains, vanilla, honey and toasted oak.
Conclusion: Don’t let the low score fool you, this is actually quite enjoyable as a first pour. It’s not something I would pour a second of, and I wish I didn’t over pour for the picture attached to this review. But there really is no complaint other than the fact there isn’t much depth or change throughout the sipping experience.
The bottle is relatively cheap looking with a twist-off plastic cap. It looks like it belongs in a well at the VFW or Elks Lodge. It’s definitely something you won’t find on the menu in a high end steak house. I would definitely love to try this in a Whiskey Sour or even one of the recipes named in a lengthy post on the Heaven Hill website.
With the price of bourbon going up, this is a bottle that it doesn’t hurt to keep on hand.
Score: 84
Price: $18.99
