Mellow Corn Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey

Product Description

Mellow Corn Bottled-in-Bond: A Cult Classic Hiding in Plain Sight

Mellow Corn was first introduced in 1945 by the Medley Distilling Company in Owensboro, Kentucky, created to make use of excess corn stocks while offering drinkers a lighter, less tannic spirit than the popular bourbons of the era. Heaven Hill acquired the rights to the brand in 1993 as part of a transaction with United Distillers, and in the decades since has kept Mellow Corn almost entirely unchanged, right down to its original, delightfully retro label design. That refusal to modernize has, somewhat unexpectedly, made Mellow Corn a genuine cult favorite online, affectionately nicknamed "Mellow F-ing Corn" by its devoted fanbase and celebrated across whiskey forums and its own dedicated Reddit community.

Mellow Corn is produced in accordance with a unique set of regulations that define Straight Corn Whiskey, distilled from a mash of at least 80% corn (specifically 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye) and aged a full four years in once-used Heaven Hill bourbon barrels, well beyond the two-year minimum required for the straight corn whiskey designation. Because used barrels don't impart the deep amber color or heavy tannic structure that new charred oak does, the result is a lighter, straw-colored spirit that lets the raw character of the corn distillate shine through in a way bourbon simply doesn't allow. As one of only a handful of remaining producers of this unique style, Heaven Hill runs corn whiskey distillate just 8 to 10 days a year, a small but proud part of their overall production.

Bottled-in-Bond since its original 1945 introduction and priced far below what its quality suggests, Mellow Corn has earned a devoted following among bourbon enthusiasts looking for something genuinely different, and genuinely affordable, without sacrificing real character.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale straw to golden yellow.

Nose: Youthful, corn-forward sweetness with vanilla, sweet plantain, toffee, and light oak, alongside herbaceous, earthy spice.

Palate: Full-bodied and textured, with sweet young corn, rich vanilla, dried banana chips, toasted oak, mixed nuts, and softly spiced sweetness.

Finish: Sweet and chewy, reminiscent of a Barbadian rum, with lingering earthy nuts and a hint of malted barley.

Food Pairings

Mellow Corn's sweet, corn-forward profile pairs well with classic Southern and barbecue fare. Try it alongside smoked pulled pork, cornbread, or roasted peanuts, or lean into its sweetness with banana pudding or pecan pie.

Serving Suggestions

Mellow Corn is best enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube to appreciate its unique, lightly aged character. It also makes a fun, affordable base for cocktails, particularly a Whiskey Smash or a corn whiskey take on a Mint Julep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Mellow Corn different from bourbon? Straight corn whiskey uses a minimum 80% corn mash bill and is aged in used or uncharred barrels rather than the new charred oak required for bourbon, resulting in a lighter color and less tannic, more raw corn-forward character.

What is the alcohol content? 50% ABV (100 proof), consistent with its Bottled-in-Bond status.

How old is this whiskey? Aged a minimum of 4 years in once-used Heaven Hill bourbon barrels.

Why does the label look so old-fashioned? Heaven Hill has kept Mellow Corn's original 1945 label design largely unchanged for decades, a choice that's helped fuel its cult following among whiskey enthusiasts online.

How should I enjoy it? Neat or with a single ice cube, or mixed into a Whiskey Smash or corn whiskey Mint Julep.

Explore More

Love Heaven Hill? Browse our full Heaven Hill collection for more Bottled-in-Bond releases, Heritage Collection expressions, and Grain to Glass bourbons.

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