Perhaps the first thing to note about Mellow Corn is that it is not labeled as bourbon. The reason is that Mellow Corn is actually produced to the specifications required for a lesser known spirit classification, Straight Corn Whiskey. These whiskeys require that at least 80% of the mashbill be made of corn and can not exceed 160 proof at distillation. Straight corn whiskey is not required to be aged. For aged straight corn whiskey the barrels must be uncharred or previously used. A bottle may be labeled as Bottled In Bond if aged a minimum of 4 years, and meeting the other requirements as set forth by the U.S. Bottled In Bond act.
Mellow Corn
Mellow Corn is one of those quirky sorts of bottles that has an unshakable following. Supporters will extol the virtues of Heaven Hill’s bottom shelf dweller in poetic terms, before gushing about the price. At under $20 and a fairly decent level of availability, it’s not surprising that folks would look to find value in a steadily increasing world of bourbons priced in the $50 – $80 range.
- Mash Bill:
- 80% Corn
- 8% Rye
- 12% Barley
- Age: 4 Years+
- Aging Vessel: Used Bourbon Barrels
- A.B.V.: 50% (100 Proof)
Sight: Yellow Gold
Smell: Roasted popcorn and a hint of nuts leads things off with a bit of an ethanol hit. Warm, toasted caramel joins in with a healthy dose of spice, and there’s just a hint of fruitiness. There’s also a subtle corn hint. The heat is pretty prevalent throughout.
Sip: The body is light, and that unmistakable flavor of roasted corn and popcorn is prevalent throughout. Touches of spice flirt with the flavor and a hint of sweetness joins in. The heat is notable, if not oppressive.
Savor: The ending carries forward a good mix of oak spice and notes of a variety of corn (roasted, fresh, popcorn) with in a twinge of heat.
Mellow Corn is an enjoyable experience that keeps things straightforward and flavorful. If you didn’t realize this was a different product, you might even be inclined to mistake it for a bourbon. What it lacks in complexity, it makes up in straightforward whiskey flavors you’d expect. As a straight sipping whiskey, it’s interesting, but not something that would keep you investigating it over and over.
In Cocktails
In a Manhattan the corn just vanishes. Thanks to the lighter flavor profile of the whiskey, the vermouth gets a free pass letting notes of fruity elements and spice fly freely. As the drink warms up, it begins to develop some notes of corn. On the finish a light caramel notes comes out.
In Review – Mellow Corn
Mellow Corn is an interesting and unique offering in Heaven Hill’s line up. It never quite crosses into amazing, but it definitely reaches interesting when on its own. As a sipper, this a fine way to not break the bank and trying something new / pass it around. As a cocktail whiskey – it poses something of a challenge. It clearly can’t hold it’s own against dominate flavors, but simultaneously brings in body. For these reasons, and the unusual classification, we recommend this bottle as a potential straight sipper, but not a bottle to stock in your bar.