Corn whiskey (sometimes Corn Liquor, "White Dog", or "White Lightning") is an American liquor made from a mash made of at least 80 percent corn. It is based on the typical American moonshine, since illicit whiskey was usually made with corn for the mash (often with some sugar). However, several commercial distillers such as Heaven Hill and Buffalo Trace have started to produce corn whiskies for retail sale.
The whiskey is typically distilled to high proof (greater than 150 proof). Often, the corn whiskey is then diluted with water to 40 percent alcohol by volume and bottled. However, the whiskey can be aged in used or uncharred oak barrels. Aging usually is brief, six months or less, during which time the whiskey absorbs color and flavor from the barrel while the off-flavors and fusel alcohols are reduced.
A variant called "Straight Corn Whiskey" is also produced in which, the whiskey is stored in used or uncharred new oak containers for 2 years or more. Some whiskies produced in this manner and aged for at least 4 years can be designated bottled in bond.
Famous quotes containing the words corn and/or whiskey:
“This generation is very sure to plant corn and beans each new year precisely as the Indians did centuries ago and taught the first settlers to do, as if there were a fate in it.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Besides, you start drinking whiskey gambling, it gives you an excuse for losing. That’s something you don’t need, an excuse for losing.”
—Sydney Carroll, U.S. screenwriter, and Robert Rossen. Bert Gordon (George C. Scott)