Corn - The Sweet Backbone
Corn is the dominant grain in bourbon, as it must legally make up at least 51% of the mash bill to be considered bourbon. However, many bourbons push that percentage much higher, sometimes upwards of 75%, making corn the undisputed king of American whiskey. The reason? Corn brings a distinct sweetness that serves as a rich and full- bodied foundation. It produces flavors of caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, and honey, creating a whiskey that is both smooth and approachable. Beyond sweetness, corn-based whiskeys often have a thicker mouthfeel, contributing to the creamy texture many bourbon lovers enjoy. Because of this, bourbons tend to be easy-drinking, making them an excellent starting point for new whiskey enthusiasts. Distilleries that emphasize corn in their mash bills often highlight its natural sweetness by aging the whiskey in new charred oak barrels, which add complementary notes of oak, spice, and deep caramelization. Famous high-corn bourbons include Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, and Evan Williams, each offering a smooth, vanilla-forward experience. If you prefer an even richer, sweeter bourbon, look for straight corn whiskey, like Mellow Corn, which contains at least 80% corn and showcases its bold sweetness even more prominently.
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