Does Red Corn Make Woodford Reserve Better?
About this episode
The episode reviews the unique Woodford Reserve Distillery Series: Red Corn Bourbon and its innovative use of heirloom red corn.
What happens when you swap traditional yellow corn for a rare, deep-pigmented heirloom grain? You get one of the most unique, grain-forward releases in the history of the Bourbon Lens . In this episode, we review the newly unveiled Woodford Reserve Distillery Series: Red Corn Bourbon . Clocking in at 90.4 proof and packaged in their collectible 375ml format ($64.99 MSRP), this limited edition showcases a massive push into agricultural innovation led by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. The story behind this whiskey is a true testament to Kentucky terroir and pure resilience. The heirloom red corn was grown on a local farm directly adjacent to the historic distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. However, during the growing season several years ago, a massive summer storm swept through Woodford County, flattening and destroying a significant portion of the stalks. The resulting low yield means the remaining harvest—and the liquid inside this bottle—is exceptionally rare. Jake breaks down how this deep-pigmented heirloom corn shifts the flavor wheel completely away from standard Woodford sweetness into a bolder, softer, and highly savory presentation. We dive into a rich nosh of dark…
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