Bourbon distillery revives heritage corn variety

In a remarkable effort to save a lost heritage product, High Wire Distilling Co., based in Charleston, South Carolina, became instrumental in reviving the Jimmy Red corn variety. This story unfolded when a chance encounter led a father and his daughter to rediscover the tall corn growing in a small farming demonstration. The daughter’s keen eye and the father’s dedication to heritage agriculture sparked an initiative to preserve and propagate this unique variety, which once teetered on the brink of extinction. Recognizing the cultural and agricultural value of Jimmy Red corn, they sought the help of the husband-and-wife team, Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall. Shortly after the initial finding, the team met with Glenn Roberts from Anson Mills, who introduced them to the corn. Blackwell’s surprise upon seeing the corn was evident, as its rarity posed a challenge: without sufficient propagation, the corn couldn’t be distilled into bourbon. Determined to move forward, Roberts contacted High Wire with a plan to cultivate enough corn using local agricultural resources and specialized equipment suited for growing tall corn. This required significant effort, investment, and collaboration from several parties, ensuring a proper growth environment for the Jimmy Red corn plants. High Wire Distilling eventually harvested enough corn to produce a test batch of bourbon. The outcome surpassed their expectations, leading to the creation of Jimmy Red Bourbon Whiskey, which captured the unique flavor of the corn due to its composition. Renowned chefs, including Sean Brock, have since praised the corn for its sweet and nutty taste, incorporating it into various culinary dishes, such as grits, and further elevating its profile in the culinary community. As a result, Jimmy Red Bourbon became available at a price point of $55, and a limited bottled-in-bond version emerged at $75. Various cask finishes have also been experimented with, expanding the versatility and appeal of this remarkable bourbon. By reviving Jimmy Red corn, High Wire Distilling not only laid the groundwork for unique beverages but also played a critical role in preserving agricultural heritage in the region. The success of this initiative underlines the importance of local agricultural practices and heritage species in the face of modern agricultural challenges. The passion and commitment from all involved reiterate a vital narrative of conservation efforts within our food systems, ensuring the unique qualities of heritage crops like Jimmy Red corn are valued and celebrated for generations to come.