Jimmy Red Corn And We Should All Care! 

In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I welcome Scott Blackwell, co-founder of High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina. The conversation dives into Scott's diverse entrepreneurial background, which spans restaurants, coffee, and packaged foods, before transitioning into the spirits industry. Scott shares how his passion for flavor and culture led him to distilling, despite initially having little interest in spirits due to South Carolina's restrictive mini bottle laws. He emphasizes the importance of agriculture in crafting unique flavors, which ultimately shaped High Wire's identity.

The discussion then shifts to the distillery's signature grain, Jimmy Red corn, which has become synonymous with High Wire's brand. Scott recounts the journey of discovering Jimmy Red, a variety known for its rich flavor profile and historical significance as a moonshiner's corn. He explains how their initial experiments with heirloom white corn didn't yield the desired results, prompting a search for a more flavorful alternative. With the guidance of heirloom grain expert Glenn Roberts and Johnny Appleseed of American Distilling Dave Pickerell, Scott and his team found that Jimmy Red not only provided a unique taste but also contributed to a distinctive oil cap during fermentation, enhancing the overall flavor of their whiskey.

As the episode wraps up, Scott reflects on the challenges and rewards of crafting spirits that tell a story rooted in their local agriculture and culinary heritage. He discusses the potential for releasing a white whiskey made from Jimmy Red, highlighting the growing interest in showcasing the unique characteristics of this heirloom corn. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and quality in the craft spirits industry, as High Wire Distilling continues to carve out its niche in the competitive whiskey landscape.

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High Wire Distilling Co.