From Field to Flask: Corn’s Role in Crafting Whiskey
When you sip on a glass of whiskey, you’re experiencing a lot more than just its robust flavor with a bit of a kick; you’re tasting the sunshine, the rain, and the care that went into growing an all-important element of whiskey: corn!
Why Corn in Whiskey?
Corn brings a natural sweetness that other grains can’t quite match. The type of grain used not only dictates the sugar profile, contributing to its alcohol content, but also significantly influences the flavor of the whiskey.
At its core, whiskey-making is all about fermentation and distillation – processes that unlock the flavor profile of corn. After corn is harvested, dried, and milled, it makes its way to becoming whiskey.
During the fermentation process, yeast gets added to ground corn, converting its natural sugars into alcohol. Then comes distillation, a step that intensifies the flavors and purifies the spirit. From here, the whiskey sits and ages in charred oak barrels, usually for several years, while others might sit for decades.
In every step of the process, there’s a common thread - a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.
Corn Farmers Help Craft Whiskey
Local corn farmers are behind some of your favorite Tennessee-made whiskeys, like Chattanooga Whiskey, which uses locally-grown corn in their distillation process to craft their one-of-a-kind spirits.
With an emphasis on sustainability, Chattanooga Whiskey is just one example of a distillery that not only produces a premium spirit, but also respects the land and the hardworking farmers who grow corn on it.
By adopting sustainable farming practices, farmers not only contribute to the production of quality whiskey but also play a crucial role in caring for the environment. Crop rotation, nutrient management, and soil conservation are just a few ways Tennessee corn farmers are committed to protecting natural resources.
From field to flask, it’s clear that corn and the farmers who grow it play a central role in whiskey production.
Want to learn more about how corn is used in more than 4,000 products you use daily? Explore more uses of corn on our blog.