About Corn Whiskey

About Corn Whiskey
Corn Whiskey is a commercial product that must contain at least 80% corn, be distilled at less than 80% ABV (160 proof) and if wood-aged, may be aged in either used or new uncharred barrels.

Corn whiskey was the first truly American whiskey, and the precursor to Bourbon. An unaged, clear spirit, it was the type of whiskey that Scotch-Irish farmers produced in their stills for family consumption or to trade for store goods. When state and federal excise taxes were permanently introduced during the Civil War, most of the production of Corn whiskey went underground to become moonshine, where it has remained ever since. A modest amount of commercial Corn whiskey is still produced and consumed in the South.

Top Picks for Corn Whiskey

Abasolo Corn Whiskey
94 points
$39
A feisty, earthy Corn Whiskey that is ready to rumble in turbocharged cocktails and shots.
Laird’s 5 Year Old Apple Brandy Barrel-Finished Corn Whiskey
93 points
$39
A full throttled, yet finessed Corn Whiskey that takes you for a fun spin in a muscle car.
Helsinki Small Batch Pioneer Corn Whiskey Release #27
92 points
$70
Very corn forward and light on the oak, it does the job and does it damn well; great for a highball with lemon.
Don Michael Single Barrel Selection Black Corn Whiskey Cask No. 393
91 points
$79
A whirlwind of spices and corn on the nose and palate in a fascinating way that while hot and daunting is sweet and delicious; pour this for lovers of barrel proof Bourbon and see how they react.
Don Michael Black Corn Whiskey
90 points
$49
Unusual but also beautiful to have a Whiskey so focused on the flavors of the corn and not dependent upon the flavors extracted from the barrel.
Bo & Ivy Unaged Corn Whiskey
88 points
$22
A simple, clean, and straightforward White Dog with bold corn flavors.
Citrus Distillers 2 Year Aged Small Batch Corn Whiskey
87 points
$44
Corn sweetness without the harshness of new make; very easy to mix with or shoot.